William O. Wooldridge
| William O. Wooldridge | |
|---|---|
SMA William O. Wooldridge
|
|
| Born |
August 12, 1922 Shawnee, Oklahoma |
| Died | March 5, 2012 (aged 89) El Paso, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1972 |
| Rank | Sergeant Major of the Army |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Purple Heart Air Medal (6) Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
William O. Wooldridge (August 12, 1922 – March 5, 2012) was a United States Army soldier and the first Sergeant Major of the Army.
Wooldridge served on active duty from 1940 to 1972. His military career spanned two wars and 14 campaigns, during which he was twice decorated for gallantry in action. He was sworn in as the first Sergeant Major of the Army on July 11, 1966 by Chief of Staff of the Army, General Harold K. Johnson. Wooldridge's appointment was recorded in the Congressional Record of the 89th Congress Vol. 112, No. 110.
William Wooldridge was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and grew up in Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas on 11 November 1940. Wooldridge served first with Company F, 23rd Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. In December 1941 he was assigned to detached service with the British forces in Iceland. The following year, he was released from detached service and assigned to Company K, 26th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division when it arrived in England. He served with his division throughout World War II in an infantry rifle company, being promoted through the ranks to first sergeant. Wooldridge landed on D-Day as a squad leader (sergeant).
He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry at the battle for Aachen, Germany in October 1944. He also received a Purple Heart for injuries in this battle. He was awarded a second Silver Star for gallantry during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, while serving as a platoon sergeant.
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