William Westmoreland

William Childs Westmoreland (March 26, 1914 – July 18, 2005) was a U.S. Army General who commanded American military operations in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968 and who served as US Army Chief of Staff from 1968 to 1972.

Early career

He was born in Spartanburg County, South Carolina in 1914. His upper class family was involved in the banking and textile industries. Westmoreland, an Eagle Scout, entered West Point in 1932 after one year at The Citadel. Westmoreland was a member of a very distinguished class at West Point. His classmates included Creighton Abrams and Benjamin O. Davis Jr. who also became very distinguished generals. His initial motive for entering was to "see the world." Following graduation in 1936 he became an artillery officer and served in several different commands, taking part in combat operations in Tunisia, Sicily, France and Germany, and reaching the ranks of lieutenant colonel and subsequently colonel during combat operations in Europe during World War II. Westmoreland always balanced a reputation as a stern taskmaster with that of an officer who cared about his men and took a great interest in their welfare. One called him "the most caring officer, for soldiers, that I have ever known".

Related Topics:
Spartanburg County - South Carolina - Eagle Scout - West Point - 1932 - The Citadel - Creighton Abrams - Benjamin O. Davis Jr. - 1936 - Artillery - Tunisia - Sicily - France - Germany - World War II

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During World War II, in 1943 while in Sicily, his battalion was selected to be the artillery support for the 82nd Airborne Division. By war?s end, he was serving as the chief of staff of the 9th Infantry Division. His connection with the 82nd continued after the war when Westmoreland commanded the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the 82nd and then served as the division chief of staff.

Related Topics:
1943 - Sicily - Battalion - 82nd Airborne Division

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