Laurin Lyman Williams (3 October 1895 – 10 September 1975) was a lieutenant general in the United States Army. He was the Comptroller of the Army in the late 1950s.
Early life
Williams was born on 3 October 1895, in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Yale University in 1917 and received a commission as a second lieutenant of infantry through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.World War I Draft Registration Card, Laurin Lyman WilliamsAlumni Directory of Yale University Living Graduates & Non-Graduates, published by the university, 1926, page 193
Early military career
As a junior officer, Williams served at posts throughout the United States, including Camp Fremont, California and Camp Lee, Virginia. In 1921, he graduated from the Infantry School Basic Course.U.S. Army directory, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1918, page 96U.S. Army Directory, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1919, page 171Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1956, page 914
In the mid-1920s, Williams served in China with the 15th Infantry Regiment. He also served as an ROTC instructor at the University of Washington.Official U.S. Army, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1925, page 131Infantry Journal, Volume 27, 1925, page 157The United States 15th Infantry Regiment in China, 1912-1938, by Alfred E. Cornebise, 2004, page 157Alumni Directory of Yale University Living Graduates & Non-Graduates, published by the University, 1926, page 193
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.Official U. S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General,1935, page 341Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1957, page 928Newspaper article, Major, Family Arrive at Fort, San Antonio Express, August 14, 1939Newspaper article, Stress 'Toughness' in Army Training, New York Times, June 18, 1943
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.102nd Infantry Division, World War II commanders and staff , United States Army Center of Military History29th Infantry Division: a Short History of a Fighting Division, by Joseph H. Ewing, 1992, page 64
Post-World War II
After World War II, Williams served the Intelligence Group of the Army's European Command.Secret Agenda, by Lynda Hunt, 1991, footnote, page 61
In 1949 June Williams was appointed comptroller of SCAP.General Orders SCAP (文書名:GHQ/SCAP Records, Government Section = 連合国最高司令官総司令部民政局文書) (課係名等:Central Files Branch) (シリーズ名:Miscellaneous Administrative Files and Reports, 1945-52) (ボックス番号:2223; フォルダ番号:11) 93 (National Diet Library, Japan)
Korean War
General Williams served as comptroller of the U.S. Army's Far East Command from 1949 to 1952.Newspaper article, Senate Oks 14 for Promotion: Four in Far East, Pacific Stars and Stripes, July 21, 1949Newspaper article, Preliminary Work Group organized, Pacific Stars and Stripes, March 4, 1952Newspaper article, McMorland Reassigned to EC, United Press International, published in Pacific Stars and Stripes, June 21, 1952Newspaper article, Williams, Far East, UNC Comptroller, Reassigned, Pacific Stars and Stripes, August 12, 1952
Post-Korean War
From 1953 to 1954, Williams served as Assistant Comptroller of the Army.Newspaper article, Eisenhower Promoted 25 Generals, Pacific Stars and Stripes, October 4, 1954Newspaper column, On This Date In, Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator, May 15, 2004 General Williams served as Comptroller of the Army from 1955 to 1957.Newspaper article, Ike Nominates Two, Associated Press, published in Pacific Stars and Stripes, February 18, 1955The U.S. Government Manual, published by U.S. Office of the Federal Register, 1957, page 140
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.Newspaper article, Williams to Join Sixth Army, Stars and Stripes, May 10, 1957Newspaper article, Maj. Gen. Lawton Up for Promotion, Pacific Stars and Stripes, May 12, 1957
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.Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1956, page 914Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1957, page 928Official U. S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General,1962
Retirement and death
In retirement, General Williams resided in La Jolla, California.
He died in San Diego, California on 6 January 1975.Newspaper article, obituary, Marjorie Williams, Pasadena Star-News, February 17, 1959California Death Index, 1940-1997Social Security Death Index His remains were cremated.
References