Joseph Stilwell the parents of five children, including Brigadier General Joseph, Jr., (West Point 1933) served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Stilwell later taught at West Point, and attended the Infantry Advanced Course and the Command and General Staff College. During World War I, he was the U.S. Fourth Corps intelligence officer and helped plan the St. Mihiel offensive. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service in France. Stilwell is often remembered by his sobriquet, "Vinegar Joe", which he acquired while a commander at Fort Benning, Georgia. Stilwell often gave harsh critiques of performance in field exercises,
George S. Brooks on fiction pieces with correspondent and sketch-writer Henry Clune. S. S. McClure was impressed by Brooks’ Herald articles invited him to New York. Brooks became managing editor of "McClure's". When the publication was bought by the Hearst Corporation, Brooks resigned. He became managing editor of "Shrine Magazine". Whilst in New York, Brooks renewed his acquaintance with Walter Lister, the city editor of the "New York Evening Post". With Lister, Brooks embarked on writing his first play. Initially titled "Patriots, Inc.", Brooks' and Lister's first play was produced by Jed Harris under the title, "Spread Eagle" and staged by George Abbott.