Edward J. Stackpole Jr. (June 21, 1894 – October 1, 1967) was an American newspaper publisher, businessman, author and military officer from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He served with the Pennsylvania National Guard's 110th Infantry Regiment during the First World War, and received the Distinguished Service Cross and three awards of the Purple Heart.

He later performed special duty on the War Department staff, and his wartime service was recognized with award of the Legion of Merit.

After the war, he commanded the 28th Infantry Division during its reorganization as a Pennsylvania National Guard unit, and was again promoted to major general.

[11] It was donated to the navy in 1917, and was used to award cash prizes during naval artillery gun crew competitions.

[11] In May 1917, Stackpole received his army commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry and completed his initial officer's training at Madison Barracks, New York.

[18][19] For his heroism, he received three awards of the Purple Heart and the Silver Star, which was later upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross.

[20][21] After recovering from his wounds at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Stackpole was discharged from active duty in January 1921.

[1][25] In January 1941, when the United States determined that cavalry divisions would not be employed during World War II, Stackpole accepted reduction in rank to brigadier general and assignment as commander of the 56th Infantry Brigade.

[1][26] The triangular division organization the army fielded for the war did not require brigade headquarters, so in 1942, Stackpole was assigned to the Caribbean Defense Command.

[27] In addition, the board made policy recommendations for the return of discharged service members to the post-war work force.

[28] Promoted again to major general, Stackpole led the division during its post-World War II reorganization.

[31][32] The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Edward J. Stackpole, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, A.E.F., near Baslieux, France, 24 August 1918.

Directed to advance to a new position, Captain Stackpole led his men forward with great gallantry.

Although painfully wounded in the back and leg by shell fragments, he remained on duty with his men, inspiring them by his courage and coolness to hold a difficult position against repeated attacks by the enemy in force for a period of twenty-four hours.

[49] He was also a longtime member of the National Guard and United States Army Reserve who attained the rank of major general as commander of the 79th Infantry Division.