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<p>Colonel <em>William Richard “Bill” Williamson</em> (U.S. Army, Retired) passed away in Richmond, VA on November 9, 2023 with his family by his side. Bill was born and grew up in Williamsport, PA. After graduating from Williamsport High School, he went to Penn State for a year while seeking a competitive appointment to West Point.</p>
<p>A true American hero, Bill was one of the most dedicated and respected career Army officers. He will be remembered as a loving family man. Bill became quite a traveler in his retirement, often visiting his children and grandchildren and exploring, hand in hand, with his wife Kaye. A classmate wrote in the West Point 1961 Howitzer yearbook: “Wee Willie’s experiences at Penn State prepared him both in the field of week-day academics and weekend socializing. With a willingness to coach anyone in academic difficulty and a large capacity for administrative details, he still had time left for a myriad of trips. The little extra time left over was spent praying for snow. Willie’s success in the future is virtually assured.” </p>
<p>As a cadet at West Point, Bill was in the Debate Council and Forum, Russian Club, Astronomy Club, Model Railroad Club and Sailing Club. Bill was active in the Ski Club, serving as a ski patrol member, as a ski instructor, and finally as president of the Ski Club. He was a Star Man his yearling and cow year. Bill graduated 33rd in the class of 534 graduates. </p>
<p>Upon graduation, Bill was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Pathfinder School and Ranger School and was assigned to the 2nd Airborne Battle Group of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, NC, where he served as an infantry platoon leader, recon platoon leader and headquarters and headquarters company commander. He subsequently was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment in Vietnam, where he served as a battalion S-4 for four months before assuming command of A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment in November 1966. He remained in command until June 1967, participating in the major battles of Ap Gu (April 1, 1967) and LZ X-Ray (June 17, 1967). He went on to command the 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA. Bill was on the faculty of West Point for three years and spent five years teaching at the Army War College. His final assignment was as commander of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, VA. This regiment is responsible for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. During his career, Bill was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Silver Star, two Legion of Merit awards, two Bronze Stars for valor, three Bronze Stars for meritorious service, the Purple Heart, two Meritorious Service Medals, and two Air Medals. </p>
<p>Upon his retirement in 1987, Bill became a manager and later regional vice president with First Transit. He retired from his second career in 2012. Bill was actively involved in the James City County Lions Club, the Crown Colony Club and was a member of several resident committees at the Williamsburg Landing.</p>
<p>Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Bobbie. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Kaye Williamson of Williamsburg, VA. Often hand in hand with his wife Kaye, they went on many trips. On one trip to Russia, Bill said he never thought he would be in Red Square unless he was in chains. Bill is survived by his daughters: Debbie and her husband, Earl Dinker, Sandie and her husband, Tom Robert, and Laurie and her husband, Scott Phillips; and his sons, Scott and his wife, Mary Beth Williamson, and Tim and his wife, Nancy Williamson. He is also survived by Kaye’s sons, Michael and wife, Karen Allen, and Kevin and his wife, Jill Allen; his niece, Sarah and her husband, Michael Spata; his family friend, Jennifer and her husband, JR Ryal; his brother, Don Williamson ’62 and his wife, Joanne; and 14 grandchildren.</p>
<p><em>— Kaye Williamson, with Assistance from Paul Palmer, Classmate</em></p>
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