General William Richardson was born in China to missionary parents on March 25, 1929. He was an outstanding graduate from Richmond Academy in the class of 1946. He was a member of the "Gold R" Society, which at that time was one of the highest honors. He was also honored with the John Ryd Bush award. He was not only a scholar; he was an accomplished basketball player.  He was a prominent guest at ARC’s bicentennial celebration in 1983.

 

"Billy" as he was known by his many friends, is now General William R. Richardson. After graduating with honors from West Point in 1951, his cadet training at Richmond Academy and West Point led him to serve his nation with distinction for 35 years. He has amassed an exceptional list of achievements.

 

His military journey began with an assignment in the 24th Infantry Division in Japan, followed by combat duty as a platoon leader and battalion staff officer in the 7th division in Korea.  In 1965, he returned to Korea. In 1966, he was deployed with his unit to Vietnam and returned for an additional tour in 1971. This time he served as Commander of the 198th Infantry Brigade of the American Division, and then as the Division Chief of Staff. It was at this time that he was awarded the Purple Heart for a wound sustained while evacuating his own soldiers.

 

In February 1983, he was assigned as the Commanding General of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command. His focus there was to prepare the Army for war by ensuring that Army schools and training centers were dedicated to demanding realistic training. He was instrumental in increasing Army-Air Force coordination.

 

Gen. Richardson retired in 1986 after thirty-five years of Army service. Besides the Purple Heart, he received two Silver Stars for distinguished gallantry in action and three Distinguished Service medals.

 

The General had a distinguished career in the civilian sector, which included defense consultants, the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Infantry Foundation and Command, and the General Staff College Foundation. Military leaders continue to seek his consultation. 

 

Among his many honors, he was awarded the Doughboy Award by the Infantry Center in 1999. He served on the Board of Trustees at the Command and General Staff College Foundation in 2007.  2008 marked his induction into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was presented the Distinguished Graduates Award from West Point. The General still travels to West Point at least twice a year.

 

Gen. Richardson and his wife, Cheryl, now spend about six months of the year in their home in McLean, VA and about three months in their second home at Fripp Island. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.