William H. Gill

William Hanson Gill (August 7, 1886 – January 17, 1976) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army during World War II. Originally a civil engineer, Gill entered the army in 1912 and served with infantry units throughout his career. He rose to the general's rank during World War II and commanded 32nd Infantry Division in the South Pacific Theater until the end of War.

Following his retirement from the army in 1946, Gill was elected president of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado and remained in that capacity until 1955.

His leadership abilities were recognized by superiors and Gill was promoted to the temporary rank of major general on May 24, 1942. He was subsequently ordered to Fort Carson, Colorado and assumed command of 89th Infantry Division. Gill supervised the activation of the division and its initial training and while in this capacity, he also completed Army Motor Transport School at Fort Holabird, Maryland.

Gill knew Harding from his service in Hawaii back in 1938 and his mission was difficult. The 32nd Division was originally scheduled for the service in European Theater of Operations and thus had no jungle warfare training. Moreover, of the 9,825 men of the Division who entered combat, the division suffered 2,520 battle casualties, including 586 killed in action. The men were also struggling with malaria, dengue fever and tropical dysetry.

In mid-September 1944, Gill and his division then took part in the Battle of Morotai, an island intended to be used as a base to support the planned liberation of the Philippines later that year. The invading forces greatly outnumbered the island's Japanese defenders and secured their objectives in two weeks. The 32nd Division then established his command post at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, setting the stage for the advance into the Philippines. For his service on New Guinea, Gill received Legion of Merit.

Following the Surrender of Japan, Gill moved with his division to Sasebo, Kyushu for Occupation duty in mid-October 1945. He was relieved by Brigadier general Robert B. McBride Jr., Divisional Artillery Commander, shortly afterwards and returned to the United States. Gill retired on May 31, 1946, completing 34 years of commissioned service.

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