William T. Cooley

William Theodore Cooley (born February 4, 1966) is a retired senior United States Air Force officer who previously served as commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory. He is the first general officer in US Air Force history to be court-martialed. He was relieved of command after allegations of abusive sexual contact against him were reported. After a General Court Martial found him guilty of abusive sexual contact, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall chose to demote the two-star general to a field-grade officer. Cooley retired as a colonel.

Early life and education

William Theodore Cooley was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 4, 1966.

Military career Cooley was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Air Force after completing the Air Force ROTC program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1988. In 2023 he was demoted before retirement to the rank of Colonel. after a family barbecue. Cooley was sentenced on April 26, 2022, to a public reprimand and total forfeiture of $54,550 in pay over a five-month period. He is the first general officer in US Air Force history to be court-martialed. An appeal with the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals is pending. . The findings and sentence were affirmed July 29, 2025. Appeal Verdict

Awards and decorations Cooley has been awarded and is authorized to wear the following major honors as of June 2020:

Defense Superior Service MedalLegion of MeritBronze Star MedalMeritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clustersAir Force Commendation MedalJoint Service Achievement MedalAir Force Achievement Medal

Effective dates of promotion before demotion