Raymond E. S. Williamson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Raymond Eccleston Serveira Williamson
BG Raymond E. S. Williamson
Born	(1894-09-01)September 1, 1894 Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died	September 27, 1957(1957-09-27) (aged 63) Monterey, California, United States
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1917−1954
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	Field Artillery Branch
Commands held	3rd Armored Division
Battles/wars	World War I World War II
Awards	Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star (3)

Raymond Eccleston Serveira Williamson (born September 1, 1894, died September 27, 1957) was a brave and important officer in the United States Army. He fought in both World War I and World War II. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (often called West Point).

During World War II, he was known for leading the Service Command in the South Pacific. He also served as the Assistant Commander of the 91st Infantry Division during the battles in Italy. After the war, Williamson continued his service. He worked as a military helper in Canada and later in the United Kingdom. He also commanded the 3rd Armored Division.

Early Life and Military Training

Raymond Eccleston Serveira Williamson was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 1, 1894. His parents were Sidney and Alice Williamson. After finishing high school, he studied for a year at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.

In May 1913, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. While at West Point, he was part of the boxing team. He also reached the high rank of Cadet Captain.

Joining the Army

Williamson graduated from West Point in August 1917. This was shortly after the United States joined World War I. He earned a science degree and became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Cavalry Branch.

He trained at Fort Riley and Fort Logan in Kansas. In mid-1918, he went to France. He was with the 157th Field Artillery Brigade, which was part of the 82nd "All American" Division. He fought in the Meuse–Argonne offensive. For his bravery, he received the Legion of Honour from France and the Belgian Croix de Guerre.

Between the World Wars

After World War I ended in November 1918, Williamson stayed in Europe. He was with the 1st Division and helped with the occupation of the Rhineland in Germany. He returned to the United States in mid-1919.

He served as a troop commander at Fort Myer, Virginia. He also worked as a junior helper at the White House for President Warren G. Harding.

Further Education and Teaching

In August 1922, Williamson went to Harvard University for a year. He was preparing to teach at West Point. He became an instructor in the new Department of Economics and Government. During this time, he met Anne Bryan, who would become his wife. Her father was Rear Admiral Benjamin C. Bryan.

From 1924 to 1926, he taught at West Point as a first lieutenant. He returned to West Point in July 1932. He was a captain and an Assistant Instructor in the Department of Tactics. He also worked as the Personnel Officer for the Academy. In June 1933, he became the Assistant to the new Commandant, Simon B. Buckner Jr..

Advanced Military Training

Williamson attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College in June 1935. After graduating a year later, he commanded troops with the 7th Cavalry. In July 1939, he went to the United States Army War College. He finished in June 1940. He then joined the War Department General Staff, working in logistics (G-4). On August 30, 1940, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

World War II Service

When America joined World War II in December 1941, Williamson's role became even more important. On February 1, 1942, he was promoted to colonel. He became the Chief of Rail Transportation in the logistics office.

However, the war needed skilled leaders in the field. Williamson was sent to Nouméa, New Caledonia. He joined the 23rd Infantry Division and became their personnel officer (G-1).

Leading in the South Pacific

On August 5, 1942, Williamson was promoted to brigadier general. He became the Commanding General of the Service Command in the South Pacific. This meant he was in charge of supplying, repairing, evacuating, building, and managing personnel for all units. This was crucial during the Guadalcanal and New Georgia campaigns. For his excellent work, he received the Legion of Merit.

Williamson stayed in the South Pacific until November 1943. He then returned to the United States.

Fighting in Italy

After a short break, Williamson joined the 91st Infantry Division at Camp White, Oregon. He became the assistant division commander (ADC). After several months of training, the 91st Division went to the Mediterranean in April 1944.

The 91st Division was sent to the Italian front. They were part of the U.S. Fifth Army. Brigadier General Williamson led a special group from his division. They helped free the cities of Livorno and Pisa. He earned the Bronze Star for his leadership. He received two more Bronze Stars for his actions during the battles on the Gothic Line.

In April 1945, during the final push in Italy, Williamson showed great courage. Near Vedelago, enemy forces stopped his division's infantry. Williamson bravely moved forward through machine gun fire to find the best way to deal with the situation. He called for tanks and directed mortar fire himself. This helped defeat the enemy. For this heroic action, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry.

After German forces in Italy surrendered in May 1945, the 91st Infantry Division stayed there until September. Williamson's efforts in Italy were recognized by the Allies. He received the Order of the British Empire and the Italian Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.

After the War

After World War II, Williamson returned to the United States. He worked at the headquarters of the Second United States Army in Chicago, Illinois. In February 1946, he became a colonel again (his peacetime rank). He was then appointed Military Attaché to Canada, working at the Embassy in Ottawa.

He served in Canada until May 1949. He then briefly worked at the Armored Center in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Commanding the 3rd Armored Division

On July 17, 1949, he was promoted back to brigadier general. He became the Assistant Division Commander of the 3rd Armored Division. This division was training new units during the Korean War.

When the commander left in June 1950, Williamson took over the division temporarily. He led it until February 1951. He became the division's commander again in October 1951 and stayed in that role until November 1952. For his service with the 3rd Armored Division, he received a special letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Army, Frank Pace.

Military Attaché in London and Retirement

Williamson was then sent to London, England. He became the Military Attaché to Great Britain. He served in this important role until he retired from the army on July 31, 1954. He had served for almost 37 years.

Retirement and Legacy

After retiring, Williamson and his wife settled in Monterey, California. In June 1957, he was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Brigadier General Raymond E. S. Williamson passed away on September 27, 1957, at his home. He was 63 years old.

He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. His wife, Anne Bryan Williamson, is buried next to him. They had three daughters: Marianne, Alice, and Louise.

Awards and Honors

Here are some of the important awards Brigadier General Williamson received:

Images for kids

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  Silver Star

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  Legion of Merit

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  Bronze Star (with 2 oak leaf clusters)

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  World War I Victory Medal (with 2 service stars)

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  Army of Occupation of Germany Medal

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  American Defense Service Medal

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  American Campaign Medal

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  Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 1 service star)

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  European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (with 3 service stars)

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  World War II Victory Medal

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  Army of Occupation Medal

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  National Defense Service Medal

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  Order of the British Empire

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  Legion of Honor (France)

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  Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Italy)

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  Belgian Croix de Guerre