Years ago I served as an Infantry officer during the early 70′s. I had a number of duties as a junior officer, but the proudest was when I was selected to serve as an aide to a General officer. His name was William B. Caldwell III, and he was a one star general and was the assistant division commander of the 1st Armored Division. In my brief term working for BG Caldwell I handled a number of issues, many very mundane. One of the most enjoyable was helping his sone get ready for West Point.
His father later rose to the rank of LTG – three star general, and had a distinguished career. He was the personification of everything you might imagine – a true officer and gentleman. I’m so pleased that his son William B. Caldwell IV has turned out as well. He is now a LTG and in charge of training the Afghan military and police personnel we hope to take over from U.S. forces in the near future. From generation to generation we are in great hands.
In February of 1953, William B. Caldwell III attended Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. I was in the class one week behind then Captain Caldwell. I am wondering who the other two William B. Caldwells are: I and II .
Bill Ruoff, H Co. Ist Student Battalion, Rigger, Fort Benning, Georgia – 1953-1954
82nd Parachute Maintenance Company, 82nd Airborne Division – 1954- 1955.
Bill – Here is the best bio I could find that highlights Bill II, who was a Col at the time of the attack on Pearl. I don’t think I ever heard mention of Bill I, but happy to know that there is a Bill V. I was an aide to Bill III in 1972 and helped prep Bill IV just before he went to West Point. A great family, and a great American tradition.