Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Alex
Cunningham
III
1911-05-10

–

1983-09-25

Born:

Athens

, 

Georgia

Home:

Atlanta

, 

Georgia

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

William Cunningham graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1934. He retired 1966 as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Island Command

    Action Date:

    1944 – 1946
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) William Alex Cunningham, III (ASN: 0-19579), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as G-3, Island Command, from 1944 to 1946.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    December 1958 – March 1966
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (April 1966)

    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 Major General William Alex Cunningham, III (ASN: 0-19579), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from December 1958 to March 1966.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 24 (May 29, 1943)

    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 (Infantry) William Alex Cunningham, III (ASN: 0-19579), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to May 1943. Although painfully wounded while directing his battalion’s assault upon the enemy, Colonel Cunningham continued his brilliant leadership and, by his personal example and initiative, maintained his unit’s high morale and fighting spirit. His courage and devotion to duty exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.