Laurin Lyman Williams

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	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1917–1957
Rank	Lieutenant General
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

Laurin Lyman Williams was a Lieutenant General in the United States Army. He was prominent during his service as the Comptroller of the Army in the late 1950s.

Early life

Williams was born on October 3, 1895, 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 carried out assignments 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 R.O.T.C. 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

1. World War I Draft Registration Card, Laurin Lyman Williams
2. Alumni Directory of Yale University Living Graduates & Non-Graduates, published by the university, 1926, page 193
3. U.S. Army directory, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1918, page 96
4. U.S. Army Directory, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1919, page 171
5. Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1956, page 914
6. Official U.S. Army , published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1925, page 131
7. Infantry Journal, Volume 27, 1925, page 157
8. The United States 15th Infantry Regiment in China, 1912-1938, by Alfred E. Cornebise, 2004, page 157
9. Alumni Directory of Yale University Living Graduates & Non-Graduates, published by the University, 1926, page 193
10. Official U. S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General,1935, page 341
11. Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1957, page 928
12. Newspaper article, Major, Family Arrive at Fort, San Antonio Express, August 14, 1939
13. Newspaper article, Stress 'Toughness' in Army Training, New York Times, June 18, 1943
14. 102nd Infantry Division, World War II commanders and staff, United States Army Center of Military History
15. 29th Infantry Division: a Short History of a Fighting Division, by Joseph H. Ewing, 1992, page 64
16. Secret Agenda, by Lynda Hunt, 1991, footnote, page 61
17. Newspaper article, Senate Oks 14 for Promotion: Four in Far East, Pacific Stars and Stripes, July 21, 1949
18. Newspaper article, Preliminary Work Group organized, Pacific Stars and Stripes, March 4, 1952
19. Newspaper article, McMorland Reassigned to EC, United Press International, published in Pacific Stars and Stripes, June 21, 1952
20. Newspaper article, Williams, Far East, UNC Comptroller, Reassigned, Pacific Stars and Stripes, August 12, 1952
21. Newspaper article, Eisenhower Promoted 25 Generals, Pacific Stars and Stripes, October 4, 1954
22. Newspaper column, On This Date In, Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator, May 15, 2004
23. Newspaper article, Ike Nominates Two, Associated Press, published in Pacific Stars and Stripes, February 18, 1955
24. The U.S. Government Manual, published by U.S. Office of the Federal Register, 1957, page 140
25. Principal Officials of the War Department and Department of the Army, 1900-1963
26. Newspaper article, Williams to Join Sixth Army, Stars and Stripes, May 10, 1957
27. Newspaper article, Maj. Gen. Lawton Up for Promotion, Pacific Stars and Stripes, May 12, 1957
28. Military Times, hall of Valor, Alphabetical List of Recipients of Major U.S. Military Awards
29. Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1956, page 914
30. Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1957, page 928
31. Official U. S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General,1962
32. Newspaper article, obituary, Marjorie Williams, Pasadena Star-News, February 17, 1959
33. California Death Index, 1940-1997
34. Social Security Death Index
35. "Cremation Slated". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Santa Cruz, CA. Associated Press. January 9, 1975. p. 28. (subscription required (help)).