William B. Caldwell, III
Encyclopedia
LTG William B. Caldwell, III served 32 years in the Army and retired as the Fifth Army
commanding general at Fort Sam Houston
in San Antonio. A combat veteran of wars in Korea and Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star on three separate occasions for gallantry and heroism under fire. Coming from a long line of soldiers, his grandfather served in the Union Army during the Civil War, his father was an Army Colonel during World War II retiring after 37 years of military service, and his son
is a serving lieutenant general with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Both of his parents were natural leaders and their home overflowed with friends associated with the military. Young Bill Caldwell basked in their camraderie, emulated their character, and looked forward to the day when he could wear an officer's uniform.
When Caldwell was 16, he lived with his family at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Caldwells were horror-struck as they heard the roar of Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor and witnessed a Japanese plane strafe an officer running down their street. The next day, Bill helped at the base hospital and for the weeks that followed, drove an ammunition truck. Dependents were later evacuated from Hawaii; Bill, his mother, and his sister moved to Los Angeles where he finished high school.
One of Caldwell's childhood dreams was to attend West Point, but he didn't think he could get in and almost enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later said, "When the telegram came telling my family and me that I was accepted into West Point and I was to report there in two days or three days, I immediately caught a train out of El Paso and went to West Point."
After the Korean War, he served in a variety of command staff positions in the United States and Europe. In 1954, Major Caldwell served as Operations Officer for the 1st Infantry Division in Germany and in Fort Riley, Kansas. As he departed Fort Riley, his efficiency report highlighted that he is "...a positive and incisive thinker and meticulous planner... natural leader... possesses a well-developed sense of humor, tact and diplomacy."
He served at West Point twice during his career. First, as a tactical officer in 1960 and again as the commander of the Second Regiment of the U.S. Cadet Corps in 1968–69. Caldwell loved West Point and imparted his tactical knowledge, dedication to the Army, and his leadership philosophy to the Corps of Cadets.
During Vietnam, he served as a brigade commander for the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
When his brigade was under assault, Colonel Caldwell directed a counter-assault and was awarded his third Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After brigade command, he remained in Vietnam and served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps.
After a combat tour in Vietnam and his tour at West Point, he and his family boarded the Queen Mary for an assignment at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
(SHAPE). After three years in Belgium, he and his family moved to Germany where he served as Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) of the Fourth and later the First Armored Division.
In 1973, Major General Caldwell returned with his family to Washington, D.C. where he oversaw the dissemination of all foreign military aid from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Then, he commanded the Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He instituted the post's motto, "Victory Starts Here." In 1975, Time Magazine did a profile of training the post-Vietnam Army. MG Caldwell who oversaw the effort to train an all-volunteer force said, "Our mission is to develop a highly motivated, disciplined soldier who knows the basic skills of his craft. Unlike the Marines—and I don't mean to criticize them—we don't first break a man down and then rebuild him. We think that he should be able to think for himself. He should respond to orders, but we don't want to set him in a mold."
Caldwell's installation was also considered to be the most gender friendly in the country and he actively supported the recruitment and integration of women in the U.S. Army.
He held two final command positions before retirement in 1980. His penultimate position was as commander for Readiness Region VI at Fort Knox, Kentucky. And in July 1978, he was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed command of Fifth Army
at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. At Fifth Army, he oversaw the training of about 270,000 National Guardsmen and Army Reservists.
at West Point, New York
. At West Point, he was among the top five for physical achievement and earned A's for boxing and golf. He also served as a member of the Brigade Staff. After graduation from West Point in 1948, Caldwell served in posts throughout the country and the world.
After serving as the operations officer for the 1st Division in Germany, he attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During 1963–64, he attended the National War College and George Washington University, where he earned a Master's degree in international relations.
On July 19, 1950, a North Korean company ambushed Caldwell's platoon. Awarded his first Silver Star that day, the citation read "without regard for his own safety, he personally led an assault on the enemy's lines, and the men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position... He fearlessly advanced into the face of withering fire, killed four of the enemy, reached his fallen men, and directed their evacuation to friendly positions." The following day, American forces led by General William Dean were decimated. Lieutenant Caldwell and Captain Micky Marks scouted for help and commandeered a train to Yosu, which enabled the evacuation of their men who had no food or water for five days.
Within two months of arriving on the Korean Peninsula, only 168 of the original 1,968 men remained. Caldwell's battalion was combined with others to become the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Bill had come to Korea as a platoon leader, but assumed company command and received a battlefield promotion to captain on August 30, 1950. With reinforcements, Caldwell's unit broke out of the Pusan Perimeter in early September and steadily proceeded northward to North Korea's capital by Thanksgiving.
After the Chinese reinforced North Korea, American forces were pushed back. On February 3, 1951, Captain Caldwell led "L" Company, 19th Infantry Regiment to secure the approaches to the Han River. The enemy counter-attacked, but Caldwell's company rallied. He was awarded a second Silver Star that day. Part of the citation read, "With the enemy about to overrun his positions and the entire perimeter in danger, Captain Caldwell, completely disregarding personal safety, once again rallied his men and personally led a daring counterattack, employing rifles and grenades, which broke the back of the enemy's attack and forced him to withdraw leaving an estimated 100 dead." Caldwell redeployed from Korea in August 1951. He later remarked, "After Korea, you knew you could do anything. We had tackled the very worst that could ever happen."
On February 24, 1967, Caldwell learned that his brigade was under heavy assault near Ap Gu and flew to the combat zone. He initially directed fire from the air; after his helicopter landed in a non-secure area, COL Caldwell directed the counter-assault from the ground with his troops. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded his third Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force. The citation partly read, "Although continuously exposed to intensive hostile fire... Through superb planning and tireless supervision... With complete disregard for his personal safety... His presence in the areas of heaviest conflict greatly inspired his men and they soon routed the large insurgent force." For his heroism that day, Caldwell also received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
From September 1967 to January 1968, Caldwell served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps. In this capacity, he oversaw the training and equipping of the South Vietnamese paramilitary forces. While not exercising command and control of RVN forces, he was present during many battles advising RVN commanders on tactics.
|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |U.S. military decorations
|-
|
|Distinguished Service Medal
|-
|
|Silver Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Legion of Merit
(with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
|-
|
|Bronze Star with V Device
(with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Purple Heart
|-
|
|Air Medal (16)
|-
|
|Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
|-
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. unit awards
|-
|
|Presidential Unit Citation (24th Div)
|-
|
|Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (34th Infantry)
|-
LTG William B. Caldwell, III served 32 years in the Army and retired as the Fifth Army
commanding general at Fort Sam Houston
in San Antonio. A combat veteran of wars in Korea and Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star on three separate occasions for gallantry and heroism under fire. Coming from a long line of soldiers, his grandfather served in the Union Army during the Civil War, his father was an Army Colonel during World War II retiring after 37 years of military service, and his son
is a serving lieutenant general with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Both of his parents were natural leaders and their home overflowed with friends associated with the military. Young Bill Caldwell basked in their camraderie, emulated their character, and looked forward to the day when he could wear an officer's uniform.
When Caldwell was 16, he lived with his family at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Caldwells were horror-struck as they heard the roar of Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor and witnessed a Japanese plane strafe an officer running down their street. The next day, Bill helped at the base hospital and for the weeks that followed, drove an ammunition truck. Dependents were later evacuated from Hawaii; Bill, his mother, and his sister moved to Los Angeles where he finished high school.
One of Caldwell's childhood dreams was to attend West Point, but he didn't think he could get in and almost enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later said, "When the telegram came telling my family and me that I was accepted into West Point and I was to report there in two days or three days, I immediately caught a train out of El Paso and went to West Point."
After the Korean War, he served in a variety of command staff positions in the United States and Europe. In 1954, Major Caldwell served as Operations Officer for the 1st Infantry Division in Germany and in Fort Riley, Kansas. As he departed Fort Riley, his efficiency report highlighted that he is "...a positive and incisive thinker and meticulous planner... natural leader... possesses a well-developed sense of humor, tact and diplomacy."
He served at West Point twice during his career. First, as a tactical officer in 1960 and again as the commander of the Second Regiment of the U.S. Cadet Corps in 1968–69. Caldwell loved West Point and imparted his tactical knowledge, dedication to the Army, and his leadership philosophy to the Corps of Cadets.
During Vietnam, he served as a brigade commander for the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
When his brigade was under assault, Colonel Caldwell directed a counter-assault and was awarded his third Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After brigade command, he remained in Vietnam and served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps.
After a combat tour in Vietnam and his tour at West Point, he and his family boarded the Queen Mary for an assignment at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
(SHAPE). After three years in Belgium, he and his family moved to Germany where he served as Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) of the Fourth and later the First Armored Division.
In 1973, Major General Caldwell returned with his family to Washington, D.C. where he oversaw the dissemination of all foreign military aid from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Then, he commanded the Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He instituted the post's motto, "Victory Starts Here." In 1975, Time Magazine did a profile of training the post-Vietnam Army. MG Caldwell who oversaw the effort to train an all-volunteer force said, "Our mission is to develop a highly motivated, disciplined soldier who knows the basic skills of his craft. Unlike the Marines—and I don't mean to criticize them—we don't first break a man down and then rebuild him. We think that he should be able to think for himself. He should respond to orders, but we don't want to set him in a mold."
Caldwell's installation was also considered to be the most gender friendly in the country and he actively supported the recruitment and integration of women in the U.S. Army.
He held two final command positions before retirement in 1980. His penultimate position was as commander for Readiness Region VI at Fort Knox, Kentucky. And in July 1978, he was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed command of Fifth Army
at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. At Fifth Army, he oversaw the training of about 270,000 National Guardsmen and Army Reservists.
at West Point, New York
. At West Point, he was among the top five for physical achievement and earned A's for boxing and golf. He also served as a member of the Brigade Staff. After graduation from West Point in 1948, Caldwell served in posts throughout the country and the world.
After serving as the operations officer for the 1st Division in Germany, he attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During 1963–64, he attended the National War College and George Washington University, where he earned a Master's degree in international relations.
On July 19, 1950, a North Korean company ambushed Caldwell's platoon. Awarded his first Silver Star that day, the citation read "without regard for his own safety, he personally led an assault on the enemy's lines, and the men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position... He fearlessly advanced into the face of withering fire, killed four of the enemy, reached his fallen men, and directed their evacuation to friendly positions." The following day, American forces led by General William Dean were decimated. Lieutenant Caldwell and Captain Micky Marks scouted for help and commandeered a train to Yosu, which enabled the evacuation of their men who had no food or water for five days.
Within two months of arriving on the Korean Peninsula, only 168 of the original 1,968 men remained. Caldwell's battalion was combined with others to become the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Bill had come to Korea as a platoon leader, but assumed company command and received a battlefield promotion to captain on August 30, 1950. With reinforcements, Caldwell's unit broke out of the Pusan Perimeter in early September and steadily proceeded northward to North Korea's capital by Thanksgiving.
After the Chinese reinforced North Korea, American forces were pushed back. On February 3, 1951, Captain Caldwell led "L" Company, 19th Infantry Regiment to secure the approaches to the Han River. The enemy counter-attacked, but Caldwell's company rallied. He was awarded a second Silver Star that day. Part of the citation read, "With the enemy about to overrun his positions and the entire perimeter in danger, Captain Caldwell, completely disregarding personal safety, once again rallied his men and personally led a daring counterattack, employing rifles and grenades, which broke the back of the enemy's attack and forced him to withdraw leaving an estimated 100 dead." Caldwell redeployed from Korea in August 1951. He later remarked, "After Korea, you knew you could do anything. We had tackled the very worst that could ever happen."
On February 24, 1967, Caldwell learned that his brigade was under heavy assault near Ap Gu and flew to the combat zone. He initially directed fire from the air; after his helicopter landed in a non-secure area, COL Caldwell directed the counter-assault from the ground with his troops. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded his third Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force. The citation partly read, "Although continuously exposed to intensive hostile fire... Through superb planning and tireless supervision... With complete disregard for his personal safety... His presence in the areas of heaviest conflict greatly inspired his men and they soon routed the large insurgent force." For his heroism that day, Caldwell also received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
From September 1967 to January 1968, Caldwell served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps. In this capacity, he oversaw the training and equipping of the South Vietnamese paramilitary forces. While not exercising command and control of RVN forces, he was present during many battles advising RVN commanders on tactics.
|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |U.S. military decorations
|-
|
|Distinguished Service Medal
|-
|
|Silver Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Legion of Merit
(with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
|-
|
|Bronze Star with V Device
(with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Purple Heart
|-
|
|Air Medal (16)
|-
|
|Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
|-
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. unit awards
|-
|
|Presidential Unit Citation (24th Div)
|-
|
|Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (34th Infantry)
|-
LTG William B. Caldwell, III served 32 years in the Army and retired as the Fifth Army
commanding general at Fort Sam Houston
in San Antonio. A combat veteran of wars in Korea and Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star on three separate occasions for gallantry and heroism under fire. Coming from a long line of soldiers, his grandfather served in the Union Army during the Civil War, his father was an Army Colonel during World War II retiring after 37 years of military service, and his son
is a serving lieutenant general with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Both of his parents were natural leaders and their home overflowed with friends associated with the military. Young Bill Caldwell basked in their camraderie, emulated their character, and looked forward to the day when he could wear an officer's uniform.
When Caldwell was 16, he lived with his family at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Caldwells were horror-struck as they heard the roar of Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor and witnessed a Japanese plane strafe an officer running down their street. The next day, Bill helped at the base hospital and for the weeks that followed, drove an ammunition truck. Dependents were later evacuated from Hawaii; Bill, his mother, and his sister moved to Los Angeles where he finished high school.
One of Caldwell's childhood dreams was to attend West Point, but he didn't think he could get in and almost enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later said, "When the telegram came telling my family and me that I was accepted into West Point and I was to report there in two days or three days, I immediately caught a train out of El Paso and went to West Point."
After the Korean War, he served in a variety of command staff positions in the United States and Europe. In 1954, Major Caldwell served as Operations Officer for the 1st Infantry Division in Germany and in Fort Riley, Kansas. As he departed Fort Riley, his efficiency report highlighted that he is "...a positive and incisive thinker and meticulous planner... natural leader... possesses a well-developed sense of humor, tact and diplomacy."
He served at West Point twice during his career. First, as a tactical officer in 1960 and again as the commander of the Second Regiment of the U.S. Cadet Corps in 1968–69. Caldwell loved West Point and imparted his tactical knowledge, dedication to the Army, and his leadership philosophy to the Corps of Cadets.
During Vietnam, he served as a brigade commander for the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
When his brigade was under assault, Colonel Caldwell directed a counter-assault and was awarded his third Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After brigade command, he remained in Vietnam and served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps.
After a combat tour in Vietnam and his tour at West Point, he and his family boarded the Queen Mary for an assignment at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
(SHAPE). After three years in Belgium, he and his family moved to Germany where he served as Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) of the Fourth and later the First Armored Division.
In 1973, Major General Caldwell returned with his family to Washington, D.C. where he oversaw the dissemination of all foreign military aid from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Then, he commanded the Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He instituted the post's motto, "Victory Starts Here." In 1975, Time Magazine did a profile of training the post-Vietnam Army. MG Caldwell who oversaw the effort to train an all-volunteer force said, "Our mission is to develop a highly motivated, disciplined soldier who knows the basic skills of his craft. Unlike the Marines—and I don't mean to criticize them—we don't first break a man down and then rebuild him. We think that he should be able to think for himself. He should respond to orders, but we don't want to set him in a mold."
Caldwell's installation was also considered to be the most gender friendly in the country and he actively supported the recruitment and integration of women in the U.S. Army.
He held two final command positions before retirement in 1980. His penultimate position was as commander for Readiness Region VI at Fort Knox, Kentucky. And in July 1978, he was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed command of Fifth Army
at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. At Fifth Army, he oversaw the training of about 270,000 National Guardsmen and Army Reservists.
at West Point, New York
. At West Point, he was among the top five for physical achievement and earned A's for boxing and golf. He also served as a member of the Brigade Staff. After graduation from West Point in 1948, Caldwell served in posts throughout the country and the world.
After serving as the operations officer for the 1st Division in Germany, he attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During 1963–64, he attended the National War College and George Washington University, where he earned a Master's degree in international relations.
On July 19, 1950, a North Korean company ambushed Caldwell's platoon. Awarded his first Silver Star that day, the citation read "without regard for his own safety, he personally led an assault on the enemy's lines, and the men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position... He fearlessly advanced into the face of withering fire, killed four of the enemy, reached his fallen men, and directed their evacuation to friendly positions." The following day, American forces led by General William Dean were decimated. Lieutenant Caldwell and Captain Micky Marks scouted for help and commandeered a train to Yosu, which enabled the evacuation of their men who had no food or water for five days.
Within two months of arriving on the Korean Peninsula, only 168 of the original 1,968 men remained. Caldwell's battalion was combined with others to become the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Bill had come to Korea as a platoon leader, but assumed company command and received a battlefield promotion to captain on August 30, 1950. With reinforcements, Caldwell's unit broke out of the Pusan Perimeter in early September and steadily proceeded northward to North Korea's capital by Thanksgiving.
After the Chinese reinforced North Korea, American forces were pushed back. On February 3, 1951, Captain Caldwell led "L" Company, 19th Infantry Regiment to secure the approaches to the Han River. The enemy counter-attacked, but Caldwell's company rallied. He was awarded a second Silver Star that day. Part of the citation read, "With the enemy about to overrun his positions and the entire perimeter in danger, Captain Caldwell, completely disregarding personal safety, once again rallied his men and personally led a daring counterattack, employing rifles and grenades, which broke the back of the enemy's attack and forced him to withdraw leaving an estimated 100 dead." Caldwell redeployed from Korea in August 1951. He later remarked, "After Korea, you knew you could do anything. We had tackled the very worst that could ever happen."
On February 24, 1967, Caldwell learned that his brigade was under heavy assault near Ap Gu and flew to the combat zone. He initially directed fire from the air; after his helicopter landed in a non-secure area, COL Caldwell directed the counter-assault from the ground with his troops. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded his third Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force. The citation partly read, "Although continuously exposed to intensive hostile fire... Through superb planning and tireless supervision... With complete disregard for his personal safety... His presence in the areas of heaviest conflict greatly inspired his men and they soon routed the large insurgent force." For his heroism that day, Caldwell also received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
From September 1967 to January 1968, Caldwell served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps. In this capacity, he oversaw the training and equipping of the South Vietnamese paramilitary forces. While not exercising command and control of RVN forces, he was present during many battles advising RVN commanders on tactics.
|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |U.S. military decorations
|-
|
|Distinguished Service Medal
|-
|
|Silver Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Legion of Merit
(with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
|-
|
|Bronze Star with V Device
(with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Purple Heart
|-
|
|Air Medal (16)
|-
|
|Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
|-
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. unit awards
|-
|
|Presidential Unit Citation (24th Div)
|-
|
|Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (34th Infantry)
|-
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. service (campaign) medals and service and training ribbons
|-
|
|National Defense Service Medal
(with Bronze Service Star)
|-
|
|Korean Service Medal
(with Silver Service Star)
|-
|
|Vietnam Service Medal
(with 2 Bronze Service Stars)
|-
|
|American Campaign Medal
|-
|
|World War II Victory Medal
|-
|
|Army of Occupation Medal
|-
|
|United Nations Service Medal
|-
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |Non-U.S. service medals and ribbons
|-
|
|Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)
|-
|
|RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm
|-
|
|RVN Campaign Ribbon
|-
|}
|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |Badges
|-
| align=center |
|Combat Infantryman Badge
|-
| align=center |
|Senior Parachutist Badge
|-
| align=center |
|Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
|-
| align=center |
|Army Staff Identification Badge
|-
| align=center |
|German Parachutist Badge in bronze
|-
| align=center |
|Vietnamese Parachutist Badge
|}
|}
Fifth Army
A number of nations have had a Fifth Army:* Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * 5th Army * Fifth Army * Fifth United States Army...
commanding general at Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is a U.S. Army post in San Antonio, Texas.Known colloquially as "Fort Sam," it is named for the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston....
in San Antonio. A combat veteran of wars in Korea and Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star on three separate occasions for gallantry and heroism under fire. Coming from a long line of soldiers, his grandfather served in the Union Army during the Civil War, his father was an Army Colonel during World War II retiring after 37 years of military service, and his son
William B. Caldwell
William B. Caldwell, IV is a United States Army Lieutenant General who is serving as the Commander, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan, as well as, Commanding General, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan....
is a serving lieutenant general with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Early years
William B. Caldwell, III was born at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina and comes from a long line of soldiers. Not only was his father a soldier, but his grandfather fought for the Union Army in the Civil War.Both of his parents were natural leaders and their home overflowed with friends associated with the military. Young Bill Caldwell basked in their camraderie, emulated their character, and looked forward to the day when he could wear an officer's uniform.
When Caldwell was 16, he lived with his family at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Caldwells were horror-struck as they heard the roar of Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor and witnessed a Japanese plane strafe an officer running down their street. The next day, Bill helped at the base hospital and for the weeks that followed, drove an ammunition truck. Dependents were later evacuated from Hawaii; Bill, his mother, and his sister moved to Los Angeles where he finished high school.
One of Caldwell's childhood dreams was to attend West Point, but he didn't think he could get in and almost enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later said, "When the telegram came telling my family and me that I was accepted into West Point and I was to report there in two days or three days, I immediately caught a train out of El Paso and went to West Point."
Army career
Commissioned as second lieutenant in the infantry in 1948, he attended ground general school at Fort Riley, Kansas and the Infantry School at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. While in Columbus, he met his future wife Tudy Dismuke. Soon after their marriage, Second Lieutenant Caldwell was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Regiment, 24th Division, which served an a Japanese occupation force on Kyushu. His unit was later deployed to Korea and was one of the first U.S. combat troops there. For heroism and gallantry in the Korean War, he was awarded two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star with Valor.After the Korean War, he served in a variety of command staff positions in the United States and Europe. In 1954, Major Caldwell served as Operations Officer for the 1st Infantry Division in Germany and in Fort Riley, Kansas. As he departed Fort Riley, his efficiency report highlighted that he is "...a positive and incisive thinker and meticulous planner... natural leader... possesses a well-developed sense of humor, tact and diplomacy."
He served at West Point twice during his career. First, as a tactical officer in 1960 and again as the commander of the Second Regiment of the U.S. Cadet Corps in 1968–69. Caldwell loved West Point and imparted his tactical knowledge, dedication to the Army, and his leadership philosophy to the Corps of Cadets.
During Vietnam, he served as a brigade commander for the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
When his brigade was under assault, Colonel Caldwell directed a counter-assault and was awarded his third Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After brigade command, he remained in Vietnam and served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps.
After a combat tour in Vietnam and his tour at West Point, he and his family boarded the Queen Mary for an assignment at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is the central command of NATO military forces. It is located at Casteau, north of the Belgian city of Mons...
(SHAPE). After three years in Belgium, he and his family moved to Germany where he served as Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) of the Fourth and later the First Armored Division.
In 1973, Major General Caldwell returned with his family to Washington, D.C. where he oversaw the dissemination of all foreign military aid from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Then, he commanded the Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He instituted the post's motto, "Victory Starts Here." In 1975, Time Magazine did a profile of training the post-Vietnam Army. MG Caldwell who oversaw the effort to train an all-volunteer force said, "Our mission is to develop a highly motivated, disciplined soldier who knows the basic skills of his craft. Unlike the Marines—and I don't mean to criticize them—we don't first break a man down and then rebuild him. We think that he should be able to think for himself. He should respond to orders, but we don't want to set him in a mold."
Caldwell's installation was also considered to be the most gender friendly in the country and he actively supported the recruitment and integration of women in the U.S. Army.
He held two final command positions before retirement in 1980. His penultimate position was as commander for Readiness Region VI at Fort Knox, Kentucky. And in July 1978, he was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed command of Fifth Army
Fifth Army
A number of nations have had a Fifth Army:* Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * 5th Army * Fifth Army * Fifth United States Army...
at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. At Fifth Army, he oversaw the training of about 270,000 National Guardsmen and Army Reservists.
Major Permanent Duty Assignments
- Chief, Strategic Plans Branch, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers EuropeSupreme Headquarters Allied Powers EuropeSupreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is the central command of NATO military forces. It is located at Casteau, north of the Belgian city of Mons...
- Assistant Division Commander, 4th Armored Division, United States Army, Europe
- Assistant Division Commander, 1st Armored Division, United States Army, Europe
- Chief of Staff, VII CorpsVII CorpsVII Corps, 7th Corps or Seventh Corps may refer to:* VII Corps * VII Corps * VII Corps * VII Corps , two separate formations of the Union during the American Civil War...
, United States Army, Europe - Deputy Director, Security Assistance Plans, Policy, and Programs, Office, Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Director, Security Assistance, Plans and Programs Formulation, Office, Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Commanding General, United States Army Training Center and Fort JacksonFort JacksonFort Jackson can refer to several places or things:*Fort Jackson , also called Fort Toulouse, a War of 1812 fort*Fort Jackson , a frontier trading post located near present-day Ione, Colorado...
, South Carolina - Commanding General, United States Army Readiness Region VI, Fort Knox, Kentucky
- Commanding General, 5th Army
Education
Caldwell spent one semester at Texas A&M University before attending Millard Preparatory School in Washington, D.C.. From there, he was accepted to the United States Military AcademyUnited States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
at West Point, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. At West Point, he was among the top five for physical achievement and earned A's for boxing and golf. He also served as a member of the Brigade Staff. After graduation from West Point in 1948, Caldwell served in posts throughout the country and the world.
After serving as the operations officer for the 1st Division in Germany, he attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During 1963–64, he attended the National War College and George Washington University, where he earned a Master's degree in international relations.
Military schools
- The Infantry School, Basic and Advanced Courses
- The Command and General Staff College
- United Kingdom Joint Services Staff College
- The National War College
Korean War
Caldwell's regiment was among the first U.S. forces committed to combat in Korea in July 1950. Like many units at the time, Caldwell's regiment was understrengthed and ill-equipped for combat with North Korean forces. The regiment had no tank company and virtually no anti-tank capability. Much of their ammunition was old and the unit had limited medical support. The forces arrived in the port of Pusan in an old Japanese hospital ship and then pushed north via train to Taejon. At Pyongtek south of Suwon Air Base, Caldwell's regiment set up defensive positions with "Task Force Smith."On July 19, 1950, a North Korean company ambushed Caldwell's platoon. Awarded his first Silver Star that day, the citation read "without regard for his own safety, he personally led an assault on the enemy's lines, and the men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position... He fearlessly advanced into the face of withering fire, killed four of the enemy, reached his fallen men, and directed their evacuation to friendly positions." The following day, American forces led by General William Dean were decimated. Lieutenant Caldwell and Captain Micky Marks scouted for help and commandeered a train to Yosu, which enabled the evacuation of their men who had no food or water for five days.
Within two months of arriving on the Korean Peninsula, only 168 of the original 1,968 men remained. Caldwell's battalion was combined with others to become the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Bill had come to Korea as a platoon leader, but assumed company command and received a battlefield promotion to captain on August 30, 1950. With reinforcements, Caldwell's unit broke out of the Pusan Perimeter in early September and steadily proceeded northward to North Korea's capital by Thanksgiving.
After the Chinese reinforced North Korea, American forces were pushed back. On February 3, 1951, Captain Caldwell led "L" Company, 19th Infantry Regiment to secure the approaches to the Han River. The enemy counter-attacked, but Caldwell's company rallied. He was awarded a second Silver Star that day. Part of the citation read, "With the enemy about to overrun his positions and the entire perimeter in danger, Captain Caldwell, completely disregarding personal safety, once again rallied his men and personally led a daring counterattack, employing rifles and grenades, which broke the back of the enemy's attack and forced him to withdraw leaving an estimated 100 dead." Caldwell redeployed from Korea in August 1951. He later remarked, "After Korea, you knew you could do anything. We had tackled the very worst that could ever happen."
Vietnam War
Five months after the birth of his last child, the newly appointed Colonel Caldwell reported for duty in Vietnam from 1967-8 initially as commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.On February 24, 1967, Caldwell learned that his brigade was under heavy assault near Ap Gu and flew to the combat zone. He initially directed fire from the air; after his helicopter landed in a non-secure area, COL Caldwell directed the counter-assault from the ground with his troops. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded his third Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force. The citation partly read, "Although continuously exposed to intensive hostile fire... Through superb planning and tireless supervision... With complete disregard for his personal safety... His presence in the areas of heaviest conflict greatly inspired his men and they soon routed the large insurgent force." For his heroism that day, Caldwell also received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
From September 1967 to January 1968, Caldwell served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps. In this capacity, he oversaw the training and equipping of the South Vietnamese paramilitary forces. While not exercising command and control of RVN forces, he was present during many battles advising RVN commanders on tactics.
Promotions
2LT – 1948
1LT – 1950
CPT – 1950 (battlefield promotion)
MAJ – 1954
LTC – 1960
COL – 1966
BG – 1969
MG – 1973
LTG – 1978
Decorations and badges
{| width="100%"|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |U.S. military decorations
|-
|
|Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
|-
|
|Silver Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
|-
|
|Bronze Star with V Device
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
(with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Purple Heart
|-
|
|Air Medal (16)
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
|-
|
|Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
|-
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. unit awards
|-
|
|Presidential Unit Citation (24th Div)
Presidential Unit Citation
The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
|-
|
|Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (34th Infantry)
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
|-
LTG William B. Caldwell, III served 32 years in the Army and retired as the Fifth Army
Fifth Army
A number of nations have had a Fifth Army:* Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * 5th Army * Fifth Army * Fifth United States Army...
commanding general at Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is a U.S. Army post in San Antonio, Texas.Known colloquially as "Fort Sam," it is named for the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston....
in San Antonio. A combat veteran of wars in Korea and Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star on three separate occasions for gallantry and heroism under fire. Coming from a long line of soldiers, his grandfather served in the Union Army during the Civil War, his father was an Army Colonel during World War II retiring after 37 years of military service, and his son
William B. Caldwell
William B. Caldwell, IV is a United States Army Lieutenant General who is serving as the Commander, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan, as well as, Commanding General, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan....
is a serving lieutenant general with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Early years
William B. Caldwell, III was born at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina and comes from a long line of soldiers. Not only was his father a soldier, but his grandfather fought for the Union Army in the Civil War.Both of his parents were natural leaders and their home overflowed with friends associated with the military. Young Bill Caldwell basked in their camraderie, emulated their character, and looked forward to the day when he could wear an officer's uniform.
When Caldwell was 16, he lived with his family at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Caldwells were horror-struck as they heard the roar of Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor and witnessed a Japanese plane strafe an officer running down their street. The next day, Bill helped at the base hospital and for the weeks that followed, drove an ammunition truck. Dependents were later evacuated from Hawaii; Bill, his mother, and his sister moved to Los Angeles where he finished high school.
One of Caldwell's childhood dreams was to attend West Point, but he didn't think he could get in and almost enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later said, "When the telegram came telling my family and me that I was accepted into West Point and I was to report there in two days or three days, I immediately caught a train out of El Paso and went to West Point."
Army career
Commissioned as second lieutenant in the infantry in 1948, he attended ground general school at Fort Riley, Kansas and the Infantry School at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. While in Columbus, he met his future wife Tudy Dismuke. Soon after their marriage, Second Lieutenant Caldwell was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Regiment, 24th Division, which served an a Japanese occupation force on Kyushu. His unit was later deployed to Korea and was one of the first U.S. combat troops there. For heroism and gallantry in the Korean War, he was awarded two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star with Valor.After the Korean War, he served in a variety of command staff positions in the United States and Europe. In 1954, Major Caldwell served as Operations Officer for the 1st Infantry Division in Germany and in Fort Riley, Kansas. As he departed Fort Riley, his efficiency report highlighted that he is "...a positive and incisive thinker and meticulous planner... natural leader... possesses a well-developed sense of humor, tact and diplomacy."
He served at West Point twice during his career. First, as a tactical officer in 1960 and again as the commander of the Second Regiment of the U.S. Cadet Corps in 1968–69. Caldwell loved West Point and imparted his tactical knowledge, dedication to the Army, and his leadership philosophy to the Corps of Cadets.
During Vietnam, he served as a brigade commander for the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
When his brigade was under assault, Colonel Caldwell directed a counter-assault and was awarded his third Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After brigade command, he remained in Vietnam and served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps.
After a combat tour in Vietnam and his tour at West Point, he and his family boarded the Queen Mary for an assignment at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is the central command of NATO military forces. It is located at Casteau, north of the Belgian city of Mons...
(SHAPE). After three years in Belgium, he and his family moved to Germany where he served as Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) of the Fourth and later the First Armored Division.
In 1973, Major General Caldwell returned with his family to Washington, D.C. where he oversaw the dissemination of all foreign military aid from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Then, he commanded the Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He instituted the post's motto, "Victory Starts Here." In 1975, Time Magazine did a profile of training the post-Vietnam Army. MG Caldwell who oversaw the effort to train an all-volunteer force said, "Our mission is to develop a highly motivated, disciplined soldier who knows the basic skills of his craft. Unlike the Marines—and I don't mean to criticize them—we don't first break a man down and then rebuild him. We think that he should be able to think for himself. He should respond to orders, but we don't want to set him in a mold."
Caldwell's installation was also considered to be the most gender friendly in the country and he actively supported the recruitment and integration of women in the U.S. Army.
He held two final command positions before retirement in 1980. His penultimate position was as commander for Readiness Region VI at Fort Knox, Kentucky. And in July 1978, he was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed command of Fifth Army
Fifth Army
A number of nations have had a Fifth Army:* Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * 5th Army * Fifth Army * Fifth United States Army...
at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. At Fifth Army, he oversaw the training of about 270,000 National Guardsmen and Army Reservists.
Major Permanent Duty Assignments
- Chief, Strategic Plans Branch, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers EuropeSupreme Headquarters Allied Powers EuropeSupreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is the central command of NATO military forces. It is located at Casteau, north of the Belgian city of Mons...
- Assistant Division Commander, 4th Armored Division, United States Army, Europe
- Assistant Division Commander, 1st Armored Division, United States Army, Europe
- Chief of Staff, VII CorpsVII CorpsVII Corps, 7th Corps or Seventh Corps may refer to:* VII Corps * VII Corps * VII Corps * VII Corps , two separate formations of the Union during the American Civil War...
, United States Army, Europe - Deputy Director, Security Assistance Plans, Policy, and Programs, Office, Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Director, Security Assistance, Plans and Programs Formulation, Office, Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Commanding General, United States Army Training Center and Fort JacksonFort JacksonFort Jackson can refer to several places or things:*Fort Jackson , also called Fort Toulouse, a War of 1812 fort*Fort Jackson , a frontier trading post located near present-day Ione, Colorado...
, South Carolina - Commanding General, United States Army Readiness Region VI, Fort Knox, Kentucky
- Commanding General, 5th Army
Education
Caldwell spent one semester at Texas A&M University before attending Millard Preparatory School in Washington, D.C.. From there, he was accepted to the United States Military AcademyUnited States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
at West Point, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. At West Point, he was among the top five for physical achievement and earned A's for boxing and golf. He also served as a member of the Brigade Staff. After graduation from West Point in 1948, Caldwell served in posts throughout the country and the world.
After serving as the operations officer for the 1st Division in Germany, he attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During 1963–64, he attended the National War College and George Washington University, where he earned a Master's degree in international relations.
Military schools
- The Infantry School, Basic and Advanced Courses
- The Command and General Staff College
- United Kingdom Joint Services Staff College
- The National War College
Korean War
Caldwell's regiment was among the first U.S. forces committed to combat in Korea in July 1950. Like many units at the time, Caldwell's regiment was understrengthed and ill-equipped for combat with North Korean forces. The regiment had no tank company and virtually no anti-tank capability. Much of their ammunition was old and the unit had limited medical support. The forces arrived in the port of Pusan in an old Japanese hospital ship and then pushed north via train to Taejon. At Pyongtek south of Suwon Air Base, Caldwell's regiment set up defensive positions with "Task Force Smith."On July 19, 1950, a North Korean company ambushed Caldwell's platoon. Awarded his first Silver Star that day, the citation read "without regard for his own safety, he personally led an assault on the enemy's lines, and the men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position... He fearlessly advanced into the face of withering fire, killed four of the enemy, reached his fallen men, and directed their evacuation to friendly positions." The following day, American forces led by General William Dean were decimated. Lieutenant Caldwell and Captain Micky Marks scouted for help and commandeered a train to Yosu, which enabled the evacuation of their men who had no food or water for five days.
Within two months of arriving on the Korean Peninsula, only 168 of the original 1,968 men remained. Caldwell's battalion was combined with others to become the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Bill had come to Korea as a platoon leader, but assumed company command and received a battlefield promotion to captain on August 30, 1950. With reinforcements, Caldwell's unit broke out of the Pusan Perimeter in early September and steadily proceeded northward to North Korea's capital by Thanksgiving.
After the Chinese reinforced North Korea, American forces were pushed back. On February 3, 1951, Captain Caldwell led "L" Company, 19th Infantry Regiment to secure the approaches to the Han River. The enemy counter-attacked, but Caldwell's company rallied. He was awarded a second Silver Star that day. Part of the citation read, "With the enemy about to overrun his positions and the entire perimeter in danger, Captain Caldwell, completely disregarding personal safety, once again rallied his men and personally led a daring counterattack, employing rifles and grenades, which broke the back of the enemy's attack and forced him to withdraw leaving an estimated 100 dead." Caldwell redeployed from Korea in August 1951. He later remarked, "After Korea, you knew you could do anything. We had tackled the very worst that could ever happen."
Vietnam War
Five months after the birth of his last child, the newly appointed Colonel Caldwell reported for duty in Vietnam from 1967-8 initially as commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.On February 24, 1967, Caldwell learned that his brigade was under heavy assault near Ap Gu and flew to the combat zone. He initially directed fire from the air; after his helicopter landed in a non-secure area, COL Caldwell directed the counter-assault from the ground with his troops. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded his third Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force. The citation partly read, "Although continuously exposed to intensive hostile fire... Through superb planning and tireless supervision... With complete disregard for his personal safety... His presence in the areas of heaviest conflict greatly inspired his men and they soon routed the large insurgent force." For his heroism that day, Caldwell also received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
From September 1967 to January 1968, Caldwell served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps. In this capacity, he oversaw the training and equipping of the South Vietnamese paramilitary forces. While not exercising command and control of RVN forces, he was present during many battles advising RVN commanders on tactics.
Promotions
- 2LT – 1948
- 1LT – 1950
- CPT – 1950 (battlefield promotion)
- MAJ – 1954
- LTC – 1960
- COL – 1966
- BG – 1969
- MG – 1973
- LTG – 1978
Decorations and badges
{| width="100%"|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |U.S. military decorations
|-
|
|Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
|-
|
|Silver Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
|-
|
|Bronze Star with V Device
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
(with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
|-
|
|Purple Heart
|-
|
|Air Medal (16)
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
|-
|
|Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
|-
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. unit awards
|-
|
|Presidential Unit Citation (24th Div)
Presidential Unit Citation
The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
|-
|
|Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (34th Infantry)
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
|-
LTG William B. Caldwell, III served 32 years in the Army and retired as the Fifth Army
Fifth Army
A number of nations have had a Fifth Army:* Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * 5th Army * Fifth Army * Fifth United States Army...
commanding general at Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is a U.S. Army post in San Antonio, Texas.Known colloquially as "Fort Sam," it is named for the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston....
in San Antonio. A combat veteran of wars in Korea and Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star on three separate occasions for gallantry and heroism under fire. Coming from a long line of soldiers, his grandfather served in the Union Army during the Civil War, his father was an Army Colonel during World War II retiring after 37 years of military service, and his son
William B. Caldwell
William B. Caldwell, IV is a United States Army Lieutenant General who is serving as the Commander, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan, as well as, Commanding General, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan....
is a serving lieutenant general with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Early years
William B. Caldwell, III was born at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina and comes from a long line of soldiers. Not only was his father a soldier, but his grandfather fought for the Union Army in the Civil War.Both of his parents were natural leaders and their home overflowed with friends associated with the military. Young Bill Caldwell basked in their camraderie, emulated their character, and looked forward to the day when he could wear an officer's uniform.
When Caldwell was 16, he lived with his family at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Caldwells were horror-struck as they heard the roar of Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor and witnessed a Japanese plane strafe an officer running down their street. The next day, Bill helped at the base hospital and for the weeks that followed, drove an ammunition truck. Dependents were later evacuated from Hawaii; Bill, his mother, and his sister moved to Los Angeles where he finished high school.
One of Caldwell's childhood dreams was to attend West Point, but he didn't think he could get in and almost enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later said, "When the telegram came telling my family and me that I was accepted into West Point and I was to report there in two days or three days, I immediately caught a train out of El Paso and went to West Point."
Army career
Commissioned as second lieutenant in the infantry in 1948, he attended ground general school at Fort Riley, Kansas and the Infantry School at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. While in Columbus, he met his future wife Tudy Dismuke. Soon after their marriage, Second Lieutenant Caldwell was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Regiment, 24th Division, which served an a Japanese occupation force on Kyushu. His unit was later deployed to Korea and was one of the first U.S. combat troops there. For heroism and gallantry in the Korean War, he was awarded two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star with Valor.After the Korean War, he served in a variety of command staff positions in the United States and Europe. In 1954, Major Caldwell served as Operations Officer for the 1st Infantry Division in Germany and in Fort Riley, Kansas. As he departed Fort Riley, his efficiency report highlighted that he is "...a positive and incisive thinker and meticulous planner... natural leader... possesses a well-developed sense of humor, tact and diplomacy."
He served at West Point twice during his career. First, as a tactical officer in 1960 and again as the commander of the Second Regiment of the U.S. Cadet Corps in 1968–69. Caldwell loved West Point and imparted his tactical knowledge, dedication to the Army, and his leadership philosophy to the Corps of Cadets.
During Vietnam, he served as a brigade commander for the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
When his brigade was under assault, Colonel Caldwell directed a counter-assault and was awarded his third Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After brigade command, he remained in Vietnam and served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps.
After a combat tour in Vietnam and his tour at West Point, he and his family boarded the Queen Mary for an assignment at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is the central command of NATO military forces. It is located at Casteau, north of the Belgian city of Mons...
(SHAPE). After three years in Belgium, he and his family moved to Germany where he served as Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) of the Fourth and later the First Armored Division.
In 1973, Major General Caldwell returned with his family to Washington, D.C. where he oversaw the dissemination of all foreign military aid from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Then, he commanded the Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He instituted the post's motto, "Victory Starts Here." In 1975, Time Magazine did a profile of training the post-Vietnam Army. MG Caldwell who oversaw the effort to train an all-volunteer force said, "Our mission is to develop a highly motivated, disciplined soldier who knows the basic skills of his craft. Unlike the Marines—and I don't mean to criticize them—we don't first break a man down and then rebuild him. We think that he should be able to think for himself. He should respond to orders, but we don't want to set him in a mold."
Caldwell's installation was also considered to be the most gender friendly in the country and he actively supported the recruitment and integration of women in the U.S. Army.
He held two final command positions before retirement in 1980. His penultimate position was as commander for Readiness Region VI at Fort Knox, Kentucky. And in July 1978, he was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed command of Fifth Army
Fifth Army
A number of nations have had a Fifth Army:* Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * Fifth Army * 5th Army * Fifth Army * Fifth United States Army...
at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. At Fifth Army, he oversaw the training of about 270,000 National Guardsmen and Army Reservists.
Major Permanent Duty Assignments
- Chief, Strategic Plans Branch, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers EuropeSupreme Headquarters Allied Powers EuropeSupreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is the central command of NATO military forces. It is located at Casteau, north of the Belgian city of Mons...
- Assistant Division Commander, 4th Armored Division, United States Army, Europe
- Assistant Division Commander, 1st Armored Division, United States Army, Europe
- Chief of Staff, VII CorpsVII CorpsVII Corps, 7th Corps or Seventh Corps may refer to:* VII Corps * VII Corps * VII Corps * VII Corps , two separate formations of the Union during the American Civil War...
, United States Army, Europe - Deputy Director, Security Assistance Plans, Policy, and Programs, Office, Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Director, Security Assistance, Plans and Programs Formulation, Office, Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Commanding General, United States Army Training Center and Fort JacksonFort JacksonFort Jackson can refer to several places or things:*Fort Jackson , also called Fort Toulouse, a War of 1812 fort*Fort Jackson , a frontier trading post located near present-day Ione, Colorado...
, South Carolina - Commanding General, United States Army Readiness Region VI, Fort Knox, Kentucky
- Commanding General, 5th Army
Education
Caldwell spent one semester at Texas A&M University before attending Millard Preparatory School in Washington, D.C.. From there, he was accepted to the United States Military AcademyUnited States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
at West Point, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. At West Point, he was among the top five for physical achievement and earned A's for boxing and golf. He also served as a member of the Brigade Staff. After graduation from West Point in 1948, Caldwell served in posts throughout the country and the world.
After serving as the operations officer for the 1st Division in Germany, he attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During 1963–64, he attended the National War College and George Washington University, where he earned a Master's degree in international relations.
Military schools
- The Infantry School, Basic and Advanced Courses
- The Command and General Staff College
- United Kingdom Joint Services Staff College
- The National War College
Korean War
Caldwell's regiment was among the first U.S. forces committed to combat in Korea in July 1950. Like many units at the time, Caldwell's regiment was understrengthed and ill-equipped for combat with North Korean forces. The regiment had no tank company and virtually no anti-tank capability. Much of their ammunition was old and the unit had limited medical support. The forces arrived in the port of Pusan in an old Japanese hospital ship and then pushed north via train to Taejon. At Pyongtek south of Suwon Air Base, Caldwell's regiment set up defensive positions with "Task Force Smith."On July 19, 1950, a North Korean company ambushed Caldwell's platoon. Awarded his first Silver Star that day, the citation read "without regard for his own safety, he personally led an assault on the enemy's lines, and the men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position... He fearlessly advanced into the face of withering fire, killed four of the enemy, reached his fallen men, and directed their evacuation to friendly positions." The following day, American forces led by General William Dean were decimated. Lieutenant Caldwell and Captain Micky Marks scouted for help and commandeered a train to Yosu, which enabled the evacuation of their men who had no food or water for five days.
Within two months of arriving on the Korean Peninsula, only 168 of the original 1,968 men remained. Caldwell's battalion was combined with others to become the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Bill had come to Korea as a platoon leader, but assumed company command and received a battlefield promotion to captain on August 30, 1950. With reinforcements, Caldwell's unit broke out of the Pusan Perimeter in early September and steadily proceeded northward to North Korea's capital by Thanksgiving.
After the Chinese reinforced North Korea, American forces were pushed back. On February 3, 1951, Captain Caldwell led "L" Company, 19th Infantry Regiment to secure the approaches to the Han River. The enemy counter-attacked, but Caldwell's company rallied. He was awarded a second Silver Star that day. Part of the citation read, "With the enemy about to overrun his positions and the entire perimeter in danger, Captain Caldwell, completely disregarding personal safety, once again rallied his men and personally led a daring counterattack, employing rifles and grenades, which broke the back of the enemy's attack and forced him to withdraw leaving an estimated 100 dead." Caldwell redeployed from Korea in August 1951. He later remarked, "After Korea, you knew you could do anything. We had tackled the very worst that could ever happen."
Vietnam War
Five months after the birth of his last child, the newly appointed Colonel Caldwell reported for duty in Vietnam from 1967-8 initially as commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.On February 24, 1967, Caldwell learned that his brigade was under heavy assault near Ap Gu and flew to the combat zone. He initially directed fire from the air; after his helicopter landed in a non-secure area, COL Caldwell directed the counter-assault from the ground with his troops. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded his third Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force. The citation partly read, "Although continuously exposed to intensive hostile fire... Through superb planning and tireless supervision... With complete disregard for his personal safety... His presence in the areas of heaviest conflict greatly inspired his men and they soon routed the large insurgent force." For his heroism that day, Caldwell also received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
From September 1967 to January 1968, Caldwell served as a senior military advisor at the Civil Operations Development Center, III Corps. In this capacity, he oversaw the training and equipping of the South Vietnamese paramilitary forces. While not exercising command and control of RVN forces, he was present during many battles advising RVN commanders on tactics.
Promotions
- 2LT – 1948
- 1LT – 1950
- CPT – 1950 (battlefield promotion)
- MAJ – 1954
- LTC – 1960
- COL – 1966
- BG – 1969
- MG – 1973
- LTG – 1978
Decorations and badges
{| width="100%"|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |U.S. military decorations
|-
|
|Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
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|Silver Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
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|Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
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|
|Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
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|Bronze Star with V Device
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
(with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
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|Purple Heart
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|Air Medal (16)
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
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|Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
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|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. unit awards
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|Presidential Unit Citation (24th Div)
Presidential Unit Citation
The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
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|Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (34th Infantry)
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
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|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |U.S. service (campaign) medals and service and training ribbons
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|National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
(with Bronze Service Star)
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|Korean Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who...
(with Silver Service Star)
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|Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during...
(with 2 Bronze Service Stars)
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|American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
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|World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...
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|Army of Occupation Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
The Army of Occupation Medal is a military award of the United States military which was established by the United States War Department on 5 April 1946. The medal was created in the aftermath of the Second World War to recognize those who had performed occupation service in either Germany or Japan...
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|United Nations Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
The United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950...
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|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=center
| colspan=2 |Non-U.S. service medals and ribbons
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|Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)
Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units...
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|RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm
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|RVN Campaign Ribbon
Vietnam Campaign Medal
The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is...
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|}
|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor = "#ccccff" align=left
| colspan=2 |Badges
|-
| align=center |
|Combat Infantryman Badge
Combat Infantryman Badge
The Combat Infantryman Badge is the U.S. Army combat service recognition decoration awarded to soldiers—enlisted men and officers holding colonel rank or below, who personally fought in active ground combat while an assigned member of either an infantry or a Special Forces unit, of brigade size...
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| align=center |
|Senior Parachutist Badge
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| align=center |
|Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
The Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge is a military badge issued to members of the United States armed forces who are permanently assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and its subordinate offices, and in addition, to some of the Defense Agencies and Department of...
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| align=center |
|Army Staff Identification Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge
The Army Staff Identification Badge is a badge of the United States Army worn by personnel who serve at the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Army Staff at Headquarters, Department of the Army and its agencies. Neither an award nor a decoration, the badge is a distinguishing emblem of...
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| align=center |
|German Parachutist Badge in bronze
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| align=center |
|Vietnamese Parachutist Badge
|}
|}
Foreign military decorations
- RVN Distinguished Service Order Medal, Second Class
- RVN Armed Forces Honor Medal, First Class