William Hood Simpson | |
---|---|
Born | May 18, 1888 Weatherford, Texas, United States |
Died | August 15, 1980 (aged 92) San Antonio, Texas, United States |
Buried at | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch | United States Army |
Years of service | 1909–1946 |
Rank | General |
Unit | Infantry Branch |
Commands held | 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment 9th Infantry Regiment 35th Infantry Division 30th Infantry Division XII Corps Fourth Army Ninth Army Second Army |
Battles/wars |
Moro Rebellion Pancho Villa Expedition World War I World War II |
Awards |
Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star Legion of Merit Legion of Honour (France) Croix de guerre (France) |
General William Hood Simpson (May 18, 1888 – August 15, 1980) was a senior and highly distinguished United States Army officer who served with distinction in both World War I and World War II. He is most notable, however, for being the Commanding General of the U.S. Ninth Army in Western Europe on the Western Front during the final stages of World War II.
Simpson was born on May 18, 1888, at Weatherford, Texas. In June 1905, a month after turning 17, he entered the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, and graduated four years later in June 1909, being commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Infantry Branch of the United States Army. His fellow graduates from the USMA included Jacob L. Devers, John C. H. Lee, Edwin F. Harding, George S. Patton, Delos Carleton Emmons, Thomas D. Milling and James Garesche Ord, all later having distinguished careers and becoming general officers.