William A. Knowlton
William A. Knowlton | |
---|---|
Bronze Star Air Medals (10) | |
Children | Holly Petraeus |
Relations | David Petraeus (son-in-law) |
Military career
In January 1943, after graduating from the United States Military Academy, Knowlton was commissioned in the cavalry. He reported for duty with the 7th Armored Division, and during World War II led an assault gun platoon in France, and later a reconnaissance troop in Germany, which linked up with the Russians, advancing from the east, in Ganzlin, northwest of Berlin. For this he was awarded the Silver Star.
Following the war, he held various staff postings, and graduated from the
Returning from Tunis, he was assigned to the Pentagon in the Office of the
After his time in Vietnam, he became Secretary of the Army General Staff, and on March 23, 1970 he became the 49th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, an assignment he held for four years. In 1974, during his tenure, the
After his time as Superintendent, he was assigned as Chief of Staff of the United States European Command. Promoted to full General in 1976, he took command of Allied Land Forces South East Europe, and finished his career as the United States Representative on NATO's Military Committee.
Decorations
Knowlton's awards and decorations include the
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star with two oak leaf clusters
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star
- Air Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster and three bronze oak leaf clusters
Post military
In retirement, Knowlton served as a Senior Fellow at the
Knowlton was also on the board of
A collection of Gen. Knowlton's military uniforms and awards is on display at the American Military Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.
He died in 2008 as a result of intracranial bleeding after a fall, along with Parkinson's disease. He was 88.
Personal life
Knowlton's daughter, Hollister "Holly" Knowlton, married future four-star general David Petraeus two months after Petraeus graduated from West Point. Knowlton was Superintendent at the time. Holly is a graduate of Dickinson College.[1]
References
- ^ "Hollister Knowlton Betrothed To David H. Petraeus, a Cadet". The New York Times. 1974-05-12. p. GN57. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
- [1] 2004 DGA Award Recipient, General William A. Knowlton, West Point Association of Graduates Website