Taussig, Joseph

Taussig, Joseph (Knefler)

(1877–1947) naval officer; born in Dresden, Germany (while his American father served in the European Squadron). Wounded during service in China's Boxer Rebellion, he commanded destroyers in World War I. Between 1920 and 1936 he served mainly at the Naval College or in staff positions, and although he seemed marked for the navy's top post, a longstanding feud with Franklin Roosevelt sidelined his career. In 1943 he was recalled to active service to head the naval clemency board.