Gordon E. Williams facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gordon Edmund Williams
Gordon E. Williams in 1984
Born	1935 (age 90–91)
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1957–1988
Rank	Major general
Battles/wars	Vietnam War

Gordon E. Williams, born in 1935, is a retired officer from the United States Air Force. He was a skilled pilot, flying many different planes for both the Air Force and the Navy. He spent over 4,000 hours flying! When he retired on August 1, 1988, he was working as the director for plans and policy at the United States European Command in West Germany. He also led the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Bentwaters, England, in 1980. This was around the time of the Rendlesham Forest incident.

About Gordon E. Williams

General Williams was born in 1935 in Nashua, New Hampshire. He finished high school in 1953. He then earned a science degree from the U.S. Military Academy in 1957. Later, in 1971, he received a master's degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. He also completed several advanced military and leadership courses.

His Air Force Career

Williams began his pilot training in August 1957. He earned his pilot wings in September 1958. After more training, he was sent to the Philippines in 1959. There, he flew F-100 Super Sabre jets. He later joined the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing in Louisiana. He even represented his wing in a worldwide gunnery competition in 1962. During this time, he also attended special fighter weapons and airborne schools.

Flying for the Navy

In 1964, General Williams was chosen to work with the United States Navy. He flew an F-4 Phantom II during combat missions in Southeast Asia. These missions were launched from the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61). He then helped the Air Force test the A-7 Corsair II plane, also from the USS Ranger. In 1968, he moved to Edwards Air Force Base in California. There, he helped test the A-7D aircraft.

Working at Air Force Headquarters

In 1971, he was assigned to the Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He worked on planning for new tactical fighter jets. This included important planes like the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Leadership Roles Abroad

After graduating from the National War College in 1975, Williams was sent to İzmir, Turkey. He then served in Spain from 1976 to 1977. He became the vice commander of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing in England. In August 1979, he became the commander of that wing. In 1981, he moved to West Germany to work as an inspector for the United States Air Forces in Europe.

Back in the United States

In 1982, General Williams returned to the United States. He became the director of aerospace safety at Norton Air Force Base in California. In 1984, he became the commander of the center. He also led an investigation into a fatal accident involving another general.

Final Commands

In 1985, he became the commander of the 13th Air Force in the Philippines. In 1987, he moved to Air Force headquarters to work on programs and resources. Later, he was assigned as director for plans and policy at the United States European Command in West Germany. He was promoted to Major General on September 1, 1984. He retired from the Air Force on August 1, 1988.

Awards and Honors

General Williams received many awards for his service. These include:

• Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
• Legion of Merit (with an oak leaf cluster)
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Meritorious Service Medal (with an oak leaf cluster)
• Air Medal (with 15 oak leaf clusters)
• Navy Commendation Medal (with a "V" device and three service stars)

Rendlesham Forest Incident

In September 1977, Gordon Williams was a Colonel and the Vice Wing Commander of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Bentwaters, England. He became the Wing Commander in August 1979. He was the commander of the 81st TFW during the Rendlesham Forest incident in December 1980.