Colonel James J. Stephens was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School on 5 June 1942, class number 18. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, Rifle Company, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Ex O, Cannon Co, Spec Service Officer, Hawaii; CO, Bn S3, Service Company, Philippines; Regiment Instructor, Ill, NG; C & GS, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Asst Army Attache, India; CO Regiment XO, Fort Jackson, SC; Regiment XO, Regiment CO, 506th, 101st, Fort Jackson, SC; Chief of Infantry, TUSAG, Ankara, Turkey; Battle Gp XO, Fort Riley, Kansas; Div G-2, 26th Inf, 1st Div, Fort Riley, Kansas; Battle Group CO, 28 Inf, Fort Riley, Kansas; Asst G3 Advisor, KMAG, Korea; Chief Civil Louisiana Division, CINFO, Washington, D.C.; Professor Mil Science, University of Notre Dame, ROTC. | His awards and decorations include: General Staff Corps Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Ribbon, Purple Heart, Bronze Star w/2 Clusters; Silver Star.