Billy K. Solomon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy K. Solomon
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Lieutenant General Billy K. Solomon
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| Born | November 16, 1944 Fairfield, Texas |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1966 – 2002 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | Combined Arms Support Command |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army) with Oak Leaf Cluster Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster |
Billy King Solomon, born on November 16, 1944, is a retired Lieutenant General from the U.S. Army. He was a Quartermaster officer, which means he helped manage supplies and logistics for the army. He also commanded the Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Lee, Virginia.
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Early Life and Education
Billy K. Solomon was born in Oakwood, Texas. In 1966, he graduated from Prairie View A&M University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. After college, he joined the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. This happened through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program. He later earned a Master of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. This degree focused on contracting and managing purchases.
Military Career
Lieutenant General Solomon served in the U.S. Army for 36 years. He held many important leadership roles. His career included serving in the Vietnam War. He also worked in places like Korea, Somalia, and Germany.
Key Commands and Roles
- He was the Director of Logistics and Security Assistance for the US Central Command. This role involved planning how supplies and support would move.
- He served as the Chief of Staff for the US Army Materiel Command. This command manages all the equipment and supplies for the Army.
- In Korea, he was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics. He worked with U.S. Forces Korea and the United Nations Command.
- He commanded the 13th Corps Support Command at Fort Hood, Texas.
- He led the Joint Logistics Task Force during United Nations operations in Somalia.
- He also commanded the Division Support Command for the 5th Infantry Division (United States) in Louisiana.
Other Important Assignments
Lieutenant General Solomon also held several other key jobs:
- He was a Platoon Leader in Vietnam.
- He worked as a Supply and Logistics Officer in Vietnam.
- He commanded a company that provided supply and service support.
- He served as a Supply and Logistics Officer for military intelligence groups.
- He was the Chief Logistics Officer in the Panama Canal Zone.
- He worked in personnel management for the Army.
- He was a Protocol Officer for the Chief of Staff of the Army in Washington, D.C.
- He commanded the 498th Support Battalion in Germany.
- He also managed enlisted personnel for the Army.
Retirement
Lieutenant General Solomon retired from the Army on September 30, 2002. His last role was the Commanding General of the US Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee. He completed 36 years of excellent service.
Military Education
His military education included several advanced courses:
- Quartermaster Officers Basic and Advanced Courses.
- Armed Forces Staff College.
- Logistics Executive Development Course.
- Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Awards and Honors
Lieutenant General Solomon received many awards for his service:
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army) with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Army Achievement Medal
He is also recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Regiment. He received the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. He is also a member of the Quartermaster Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Billy K. Solomon is the son of Quincy Lee Solomon and Jeweline Ricks Solomon. He has three sisters. He is married to Cathyrn Solomon. After he retired, they moved to Gainesville, Virginia. Solomon has two children, Tonya and Brandon, and two grandchildren.
