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William Gleason graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1941. He retired in 1971 as a U.S. Army Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 16, 1952

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 318 (October 15, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel William Thomas Gleason (ASN: 0-23956), United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 16 April 1952, Companies A and B were occupying defensive positions near Majon-ni, Korea, when they were subjected to an intense hail of enemy artillery and mortar fire. In order to give counter fire directions, Colonel Gleason unhesitatingly left his position of comparative safety and moved among his men, shouting words of encouragement and directing friendly fire on suspected enemy observation points. As the enemy barrage increased in intensity the men became disorganized and ceased their firing. Colonel Gleason, completely oblivious to the deadly fire, remained in an exposed position, urging his men to fire on the enemy positions. Inspired by his fearless actions the men assumed the initiative and laid down a withering hail of automatic weapons and small arms fire which drove the enemy from their positions. Colonel Gleason’s outstanding gallantry and unwavering determination reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 1967 – July 1968

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 26, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General William Thomas Gleason (ASN: 0-23956), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Assistant Division Commander, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, during the period from February 1967 through July 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Gleason and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Brigadier General William Thomas Gleason (ASN: 0-23956), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Army Logistics Management Center

    Action Date:

    1964 – 1967

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) William Thomas Gleason (ASN: 0-23956), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commandant, Army Logistics Management Center, from 1964 to 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gleason and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.