Brigadier General Joseph R. Jelinek was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, 27 February 1943. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, A Company, 128th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division, South Pacific Theater. | His subsequent duty assignment include:  Platoon Leader/Company Commander, A Company, 128 Infantry, 32d Infantry Division, Philippine Islands;  Company Commander and S-1, HHC, 134th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division, Nebraska National Guard; Assistant G-3, HHC, 34th Infantry Division; G-3, HHD, Nebraska National Guard; Chief, Policy and Liaison Office, National Guard Bureau, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Executive Officer, National Guard Bureau, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Staff Director, Ofc Dep Asst Sec Def (RA), Pentagon, Washington, D.C. | His awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart.