William O. Wooldridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William O. Wooldridge
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Sergeant Major of the Army William O. Wooldridge
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| Born | August 12, 1922 Shawnee, Oklahoma |
| Died | March 5, 2012 (aged 89) El Paso, Texas |
| Buried |
Fort Bliss National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1972 |
| Rank | Sergeant Major of the Army |
| Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (6) Army Commendation Medal (2) Purple Heart Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
William O. Wooldridge (born August 12, 1922 – died March 5, 2012) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He became the very first Sergeant Major of the Army, which is a very important leadership role for soldiers. He served in the Army for a long time, from 1940 to 1972. During his time, he fought in two major wars and was recognized twice for his amazing courage. He officially became the first Sergeant Major of the Army on July 11, 1966.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
William Wooldridge was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He grew up in the state of Texas. He decided to join the United States Army on November 11, 1940. He signed up at Fort Worth, Texas.
Wooldridge's Military Journey
Wooldridge started his Army career with Company F, which was part of the 23rd Regiment. This regiment belonged to the 2nd Infantry Division. In December 1941, he was sent to work with British forces in Iceland for a short time.
The next year, he joined Company K, 26th Regiment, which was part of the 1st Infantry Division. This happened when his division arrived in England. He served with his division throughout World War II in a rifle company. He earned promotions through different ranks, eventually becoming a first sergeant. Wooldridge was a squad leader (a sergeant) when he landed on D-Day. This was a very important day during World War II.
Bravery in Battle
Wooldridge showed great courage during the war. He received the Silver Star medal for his bravery at the Battle of Aachen in Germany. This battle took place in October 1944. He also received a Purple Heart medal because he was injured during this battle.
He earned a second Silver Star for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. This battle happened in December 1944. At that time, he was serving as a platoon sergeant.
After World War II
Wooldridge returned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in May 1945. In October, he was sent to the Pacific region. After taking a special course in Hawaii, he was assigned to the Headquarters of the Eighth United States Army. This was in South Korea, where he was part of the forces helping to keep peace.
In July 1948, Wooldridge became a platoon sergeant again. He was with the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in Germany. He was promoted to first sergeant in Company K, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, in 1950.
In May 1954, Wooldridge came back to the United States. He was the first sergeant of Company G, 3rd Infantry, in Washington, D.C. He rejoined the 1st Infantry Division in December 1955. He was the first sergeant of Company D, 26th Infantry, at Fort Riley, Kansas.
On December 20, 1956, he was made sergeant major of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Regiment. He then went to West Germany in December 1958. There, he became the sergeant major of the 2nd Battle Group, 28th Infantry Regiment. In March 1963, he became the sergeant major for the 24th Infantry Division.
Wooldridge returned to the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley in February 1965. He became the sergeant major of the 1st Brigade. In June 1965, the division commander, Major General Jonathan O. Seaman, chose him to be the division sergeant major. The next month, he went with the division's first group to South Vietnam. He served as the division sergeant major until he was chosen to be the first Sergeant Major of the Army in July 1966.
Becoming Sergeant Major of the Army
William Wooldridge was chosen for the very important new job of Sergeant Major of the Army. He was picked from thousands of other highly qualified soldiers. He served in this top enlisted role until September 1968.
He is known for making things better for non-commissioned officers (NCOs). NCOs are leaders like sergeants. He helped create the first meeting for top sergeants from different commands. He also suggested new training programs for NCOs. These included the Non-commissioned Officer Candidate Course and the Sergeants Major Academy. He also helped create the Command Sergeant Major program and a fair way to promote NCOs.
Wooldridge worked very well with General Harold K. Johnson, who was the Chief of Staff of the United States Army. They were a strong team. Wooldridge greatly respected General Johnson, calling him "the finest officer I ever served with in my life."
After his time as Sergeant Major of the Army, Wooldridge went back to South Vietnam. He served as the sergeant major for the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). He is the only Sergeant Major of the Army to return to duty in the field after holding this highest enlisted position.
Later Life and Legacy
William Wooldridge passed away in El Paso, Texas, on March 5, 2012. He was 89 years old. He is buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in Section A, Lot 56.
Awards and Decorations
 Combat Infantryman Badge, 2 awards |
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Silver Star with oak leaf cluster (awarded twice for bravery) |
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Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster (awarded for outstanding service) |
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Bronze Star Medal (awarded for heroic or meritorious service) |
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Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster (awarded for aerial achievement) |
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Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster (awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service) |
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Purple Heart (awarded for being wounded or killed in action) |
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Army Good Conduct Medal (ten awards) |
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American Defense Service Medal |
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European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal |
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal |
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World War II Victory Medal |
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Army of Occupation Medal with Germany and Japan clasps |
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National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal |
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Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars |
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Belgian Croix de guerre with palm (a Belgian military award for bravery) |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
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6 Overseas Service Bars |
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10 Service stripes |
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French Fourragère World War II |
