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Walworth F. Williams ’48 No. 16709 13 May 1925 – 25 Feb 2004 Died in Baton Rouge, LA Interred in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point, NY Walworth Forman Williams was born in Arizona but grew up in Alexandria, LA. He was a good student and athlete and was very popular. The high school yearbook noted, “Big and Tall, of Women Fond, and Topping it off he’s really a Blonde.” With that “send off ,” Wally began his journey to West Point. He attended Millard’s Prep School and, in 1943, enlisted in the Navy. On 3 Jul 1944, he reported to West Point, two days late and in a Navy uniform! Wally enjoyed the challenges of West Point and his relationships with classmates. One described him as “Always upbeat, taking his studies and duties seriously but never himself.” Upon graduation, Wally married Joan Barbara Savage, and they had three children. Son Wayne was born in 1950 and died shortly after birth. He is buried at West Point. Son Kenneth was born in 1952, and their daughter Julia was born in 1955. Sadly, in 1966, their marriage ended, and Joan died in 1974. Wally’s career can best be described as that of a “warrior.” His assignments covered the gamut from service schools, advisory duty, and high-level staff to the command of troops, from platoon to brigade. Wally, however, liked being with “the troops” best. In 1961, Wally served his first of four tours in Viet Nam. He was the senior advisor to the 42d Army of the Republic of Viet Nam Regiment. After earning his master’s degree and completing a stint in the Pentagon, he returned to Viet Nam, commanding the 4th Bn, 23rd Infantry (Mech), 25th Infantry Division, and later became the chief of operations, G-3, II Field Force. Wally completed another tour in the Pentagon, attended ICAF, and then returned to Viet Nam as the assistant chief of staff G-1, II Field Force. His subordinates unanimously praised his leadership, ability, and character. Later, LTG Julian Ewell, II Field Force commander, personally selected Wally to command the 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, a 7,500-man separate brigade operating in the Delta. Wally described this as his “best ever assignment.” His deputy, executive officer, and a battalion commander characterized him as “fearless, smart, totally loyal to his people, down to earth, easy to talk to and totally calm under pressure.” A battalion commander said, “I served under six brigade commanders, and Williams was clearly the best. He was so insightful, always knew what to do, and he was always there for you. I once was pinned down in a firefight and had four men killed. Williams flew right into the thick of it and picked up my KIAs. The guy was fearless.” After a short time back in the U.S., Wally returned to Viet Nam for his fourth tour, serving as senior advisor to the 9th Division, ARVN. The tour lasted four days because, as Wally said, “my luck ran out.” He was badly wounded, evacuated to Japan, and then spent six months in rehabilitation at Walter Reed. His classmates’ visits kept his spirits high. For his service in Viet Nam, Wally received the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal for Valor and Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and many honors from the South Vietnamese Army. After a tour with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Wally was assigned as Commandant of Cadets at LSU. Morale was low and participation was down. One young officer said, “Things were bad enough, and then we were told that a ‘Spit and Polish’ West Pointer was coming to take over.” At the first meeting, Wally walked in, sat down, leaned back and blew a bubble with the gum he was chewing. Problem solved. Wally understood the situation and the people at LSU, and he quickly changed the program and morale soared. The same young officer said, “He was an incredible, dynamic leader, who was a good listener and had a wonderful ability to work with people.” Under Wally’s leadership, the ROTC program thrived at LSU. In 1976, during ROTC summer camp, Wally made his greatest achievement at LSU. At the commanding general’s daughter’s wedding, Wally spotted Nancy, the matron of honor. In Wally’s words, “At first sight I defined her as my military objective.” They were married 30 days later at Ft. Riley. Their families melded into one with Nancy’s children, Cathy and David, and Wally’s, Ken and Julie, all in Baton Rouge. After retirement, Wally remained active in civic affairs. He had perfect attendance for 25 years with the Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He and Nancy traveled extensively and enjoyed their big family, watching it grow with marriages and grandchildren. It was a very happy crew. Wally and Nancy became involved in the New Orleans Mardi Gras, and Wally rode in the Krewe of Zeus parade every year. Also involved in the Baton Rouge Mardi Gras, in 1998 Wally reigned as “King of Iduna,” Nancy’s Krewe. Several classmates attended his coronation and ball, and one said, “Wally looked very regal and every bit the king.” Wally stated, “It is good to be king,” a vintage Wally comment. Despite failing health, Wally “soldiered on,” enjoying his extended family, particularly the grandchildren. He lived every day to its fullest until 25 Feb 2004, the day he passed away peacefully. He was buried at West Point. One fellow soldier remembered Wally as a “Soldier’s Soldier,” another called him “the bravest and most positive person I ever met.” LTG Arter quoted General Omar Bradley: “The Nation today needs men who think in terms of service to their country and not in terms of their country’s debt to them... Wally embraced, lived and projected this creed for a lifetime.” Duty, Honor, Country was Wally’s credo and he lived by it every day. He fought the good fight and won. He will be missed by all of us. GRIP HANDS —COL Ashby Foote, Jr.’48, spouse Nancy Williams, and comrades

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