William G. Bainbridge

William G. Bainbridge (April 17, 1925 – November 29, 2008) was a United States Army soldier who served as the fifth Sergeant Major of the Army. He was sworn in on 1 July 1975, and served until June 1979. He was the last World War II veteran to hold the position of Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA).

Early life Bainbridge was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on 17 April 1925.

Military career Bainbridge volunteered for the draft into the United States Army in June 1943 from Williamsfield, Illinois. He was inducted at Camp Grant, Illinois and then directly sent to training at Camp Wallace, Texas where he was trained as an antiaircraft artilleryman. During his tenure the Secretary of the Army had made the SMA a member of the Army Policy Council, and the Army Chief of Staff had made him a member of the Army Staff Council as well as the General Staff Council. He retired 18 June 1979.

Awards and decorations

9 Service stripes.