William Alexander Hamilton, III

William A. "Bill" Hamilton is an American journalist, novelist, former newspaper editor, military historian, linguist, retired military officer, aviator, and co-holder of a world aviation speed record. After a highly decorated military career, he became an aviator, businessman and journalist – serving for 19 years as a featured commentator for USA Today. He has been inducted into the Oklahoma University Army ROTC Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame, Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame.

Early life and education Bill Hamilton was born on March 22, 1935, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He had one brother. As a teenager, he was a paperboy for The Anadarko Daily News. During high school, he served as a page in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and was elected chief page in the Oklahoma Senate.

He then attended the Naval War College where he was a Distinguished Graduate. He also earned his master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University during this time.

In 1987, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) hired Hamilton as the regional representative to serve members in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. Later, Colorado and Wyoming were added to his portfolio. He worked for AOPA for 24 years.

In 1989, Hamilton was appointed to the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Nebraska Aviation Council and the annual Nebraska Aviation Symposium. Dedicated to safe flying, he was also instrumental in the installation of weather-information kiosks at public airports across Nebraska.

Oklahoma University Army ROTC Hall of Fame, 2008 Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, 2018 Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame, 2008 Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame, 2017 Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, 2014 Colorado Authors Hall of Fame, 2023 Delta Upsilon Social Fraternity, Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2002 Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation Award North Dakota, Outstanding Service to Aviation Award University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Alumni Achievement Award, 2015

Personal life Hamilton married Penny Rafferty Hamilton in 1971. He was three children from a previous marriage.