Michael T. Taussig, Michael Taussig

Joseph Knefler Taussig, born in Germany to German-Jewish parents, rose to the rank of Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. His extensive military career spanned multiple significant conflicts, including the Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, China Relief Expedition (Boxer Rebellion), Cuban Pacification, World War I, Second Nicaraguan Campaign, and World War II. Taussig was part of a four-generation family tradition of graduates from the United States Naval Academy, beginning with his father, Rear Admiral Edward D. Taussig. He demonstrated early promise as a student and athlete at the Naval Academy, excelling in football and track and field. Throughout his 46-year naval service, Taussig was also a dedicated journalist and writer, maintaining detailed journals of his experiences and observations. These writings, which included sketches and observations on military campaigns, political dynamics, and social customs, were often submitted for official review and later formed the basis for published articles.

Joseph Knefler Taussig began his naval career as a cadet during the Spanish-American War, serving aboard the flagship New York. He participated in significant naval engagements, including the bombardment of Santiago and the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. During this period, he meticulously documented his experiences in a detailed journal, complete with sketches of military personnel, ships, and locations. Following his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1899, he was assigned to the USS Newark and deployed to the Philippines, where he served during the Philippine-American War. His duties included participation in a rescue mission for American citizens held hostage and witnessing the surrender of Insurrectos. Taussig's early career was marked by active involvement in conflicts and a consistent practice of detailed record-keeping.

In 1900, Taussig was part of the multinational China Relief Expedition during the Boxer Rebellion. Serving as a naval cadet aboard the USS Newark, he was a member of the Seymour Relief Expedition, which attempted to rescue besieged foreign legations in Peking. During the arduous journey, the expedition faced significant resistance and was forced to retreat. Taussig sustained a serious leg wound during a Boxer attack, for which he was later awarded the Purple Heart. His journal from this period provided detailed accounts of the expedition's progress and setbacks, as well as observations on Chinese society and customs. This period of service led to his advancement in grade due to his injury and the beginning of a long association with future Royal Navy leaders. He also received the Silver Life Saving Medal in 1902 for heroism in rescuing a shipmate from drowning.

Following his recovery and further assignments, including service on the USS Yorktown under his father's command, Taussig progressed through the naval ranks. He served in various capacities, including navigator and executive officer, and was part of the Great White Fleet's circumnavigation. His career included staff positions, notably serving under his father, Rear Admiral Edward D. Taussig, and later as flag secretary to Rear Admiral Charles Vreeland. As a lieutenant commander, he commanded the destroyer Ammen and later served in the Bureau of Navigation, where his insights into personnel issues became significant after World War I. He notably clashed with Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt and Secretary Josephus Daniels over naval personnel policies. Taussig's command of the destroyer Wadsworth and Division 6 of the Destroyer Force further demonstrated his growing leadership.