Laurin Lyman Williams
Laurin Lyman Williams was a lieutenant general in the United States Army. He was the Comptroller of the Army in the late 1950s.
Laurin Lyman Williams | |
|---|---|
 Williams as a colonel commanding the 405th Infantry Regiment | |
| Born | October 3, 1895 Spokane, Washington |
| Died | September 10, 1975 (aged 79) San Diego, California |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ |  |
| Years of service | 1917–1957 |
| Rank |  |
| Commands held | 405th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Purple Heart |
Early life
Williams was born on October 3, 1895, in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Yale University in 1917 and received a commission as a second lieutenant of infantry through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.[1][2]
Early military career
As a junior officer, Williams served at posts throughout the United States, including Camp Fremont, California and Camp Lee, Virginia. In 1921, he graduated from the Infantry School Basic Course.[3][4][5]
In the mid-1920s, Williams served in China with the 15th Infantry Regiment. He also served as an ROTC instructor at the University of Washington.[6][7][8][9]
Williams graduated from the Tank School Regular Course in 1930. In 1935, he was assigned to Plattsburgh Barracks, New York. In 1939, he completed the Command & General Staff College. In 1940, Williams was assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was then assigned to the Training and Operations Office, G-3, at the War Department General Staff.[10][11][12][13]
World War II
During World War II, Williams served in Europe, first as commander of the 102nd Infantry Division's 405th Infantry Regiment, and later as assistant division commander of the 29th Infantry Division.[14][15]
Post-World War II
After World War II, Williams served the Intelligence Group of the Army's European Command.[16]
Korean War
General Williams served as comptroller of the U.S. Army's Far East Command from 1949 to 1952.[17][18][19][20]
Post-Korean War
From 1953 to 1954, Williams served as Assistant Comptroller of the Army.[21][22] General Williams served as Comptroller of the Army from 1955 to 1957.[23][24][25]
In early 1957, Williams was assigned to the Sixth United States Army at the Presidio, where he served until his retirement in June of that year.[26][27]
Awards and decorations
Williams received the Distinguished Service Medal. He was also a recipient of the Silver Star. In addition, he was presented the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart.[28][29][30][31]
Retirement and death
In retirement, General Williams resided in La Jolla, California.
He died in San Diego, California on January 6, 1975.[32][33][34] His remains were cremated.[35]
References
- World War I Draft Registration Card, Laurin Lyman Williams
- Alumni Directory of Yale University Living Graduates & Non-Graduates, published by the university, 1926, page 193
- U.S. Army directory, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1918, page 96
- U.S. Army Directory, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1919, page 171
- Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1956, page 914
- Official U.S. Army , published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1925, page 131
- Infantry Journal, Volume 27, 1925, page 157
- The United States 15th Infantry Regiment in China, 1912-1938, by Alfred E. Cornebise, 2004, page 157
- Alumni Directory of Yale University Living Graduates & Non-Graduates, published by the University, 1926, page 193
- Official U. S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General,1935, page 341
- Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1957, page 928
- Newspaper article, Major, Family Arrive at Fort, San Antonio Express, August 14, 1939
- Newspaper article, Stress 'Toughness' in Army Training, New York Times, June 18, 1943
- 102nd Infantry Division, World War II commanders and staff, United States Army Center of Military History
- 29th Infantry Division: a Short History of a Fighting Division, by Joseph H. Ewing, 1992, page 64
- Secret Agenda, by Lynda Hunt, 1991, footnote, page 61
- Newspaper article, Senate Oks 14 for Promotion: Four in Far East, Pacific Stars and Stripes, July 21, 1949
- Newspaper article, Preliminary Work Group organized, Pacific Stars and Stripes, March 4, 1952
- Newspaper article, McMorland Reassigned to EC, United Press International, published in Pacific Stars and Stripes, June 21, 1952
- Newspaper article, Williams, Far East, UNC Comptroller, Reassigned, Pacific Stars and Stripes, August 12, 1952
- Newspaper article, Eisenhower Promoted 25 Generals, Pacific Stars and Stripes, October 4, 1954
- Newspaper column, On This Date In, Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator, May 15, 2004
- Newspaper article, Ike Nominates Two, Associated Press, published in Pacific Stars and Stripes, February 18, 1955
- The U.S. Government Manual, published by U.S. Office of the Federal Register, 1957, page 140
- Principal Officials of the War Department and Department of the Army, 1900-1963
- Newspaper article, Williams to Join Sixth Army, Stars and Stripes, May 10, 1957
- Newspaper article, Maj. Gen. Lawton Up for Promotion, Pacific Stars and Stripes, May 12, 1957
- "Military Times, hall of Valor, Alphabetical List of Recipients of Major U.S. Military Awards". Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2010-02-27.
- Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1956, page 914
- Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1957, page 928
- Official U. S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General,1962
- Newspaper article, obituary, Marjorie Williams, Pasadena Star-News, February 17, 1959
- California Death Index, 1940-1997
- Social Security Death Index
- "Cremation Slated". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Santa Cruz, CA. Associated Press. January 9, 1975. p. 28.