World War II David Anderson Stafford (October 16, 1893 – July 21, 1959) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of brigadier general.

He graduated in summer of 1917 with Bachelor of Arts degree and enlisted the United States Marine Corps as many other young men eager to see combat in France.

He participated in the jungle patrols against bandits for next two years and after brief stay in the United States, Stafford sailed again for expeditionary duty back to Caribbean.

[1] Following his return to the United States, Stafford served as Inspector-Instructor with the 103rd Company, 7th Reserve Regiment at Naval Ammunition Depot Iona Island.

[1] Stafford then assumed command of Marine detachment aboard the battleship USS West Virginia and took part in the patrol cruises off the coast of Hawaii.

[1] Stafford returned to the States in November 1942 and was attached to the Division of Plans and Policies at Headquarters Marine Corps under Brigadier General Gerald C. Thomas.

He returned to the States in February 1946 and following the deactivation of the Corps during the same month, Stafford was appointed Personnel officer of the Marine Training and Replacement command at Camp Pendleton.

[1] Stafford retired from the Marine Corps on June 30, 1949, after 32 years of active service, and was advanced to the rank of brigadier general for having been specially commended in combat.