It was known that although he had the DSC, DSM and Legion of Merit, his one wish was for the Combat Infantryman Badge, a simple pin with a wreathed rifle generally reserved for the enlisted foot soldier who proved himself under fire. Award of the badge to General Stilwell was announced on October 11 by Under Secretary of War Patterson who brought it in person to San Francisco. It was not, however, pinned on in a bedside ceremony lest Stilwell realize that he was dying. He slept during most of the last two days, woke briefly to ask the nurse, “Say, isn’t this Saturday?” (it was), and died in
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