Ellis W. Williamson

Ellis W. Williamson (June 4, 1918 – January 28, 2007) was a United States Army Major General who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He led the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the first US Army unit to deploy to South Vietnam and later commanded the 25th Infantry Division there.

Early life and education Williamson was born in Raeford, North Carolina on 4 June 1918. During high school he joined the 120th Infantry Regiment, part of the North Carolina National Guard.

Williamson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Atlantic Christian College in 1940, an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1962, and a masters degree from George Washington University.

Career World War II Williamson was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in March 1941 and with the US entry into World War II, the 120th Infantry was federalised and sent for overseas service.

In January 1945 Williamson, now a lieutenant colonel led the 1st Battalion of the 120th Infantry during the Battle of the Bulge.

Post World War II Williamson graduated from the Command and General Staff College in 1950 and was assigned to the headquarters of X Corps in Korea.

Korean War As the Assistant Operations Officer of X Corps, Williamson participated in the Inchon landings.

Post Korean War Williamson took command of the 13th Infantry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado, in 1956. In 1959 he was appointed Chief of the Training Division, Headquarters, 7th U.S. Army. He then attended the National War College.

Williamson was promoted to brigadier general in 1963. For over 2 years Williamson trained the 173rd on Okinawa focusing on airborne techniques with an emphasis on jungle warfare, enhanced by training in the Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan.

From 28 June to 2 August the 173rd conducted a sweep operation near the Rung Sat Special Zone which failed to locate any Viet Cong.

In October 1965, the 173rd launched Operation 25-65 in the Iron Triangle which resulted in little action. Williamson stated that "the Iron Triangle has been... for all practical purposes destroyed". He also claimed that the operation proved that American forces could "go and stay anywhere and anytime in Vietnam".

1971 to 1973 From 1971 to 1973, Williamson served as the Chief of the U. S. Military Mission in Iran. He retired from the Army in 1973.

Later life Williamson died on 28 January 2007 in Arlington, Virginia and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.