World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseWilliam Hood Simpson was born in Weatherford, Texas, United States. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1909 and became an infantry officer. He served in the Philippines, fought in Mexico, and also served in the 33rd Division during WW1. During the inter-war years, he served in various staff positions and furthered his military training. Immediately before WW2 began for the United States, he was appointed commander at the division level with the rank of major general. During WW2, his 9th Army fought across France into the heart of Germany. Dwight Eisenhower observed him as "[a]lert, intelligent, and professionally capable," and "was the type of leader that American soldiers deserve." In May 1944, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, serving under Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery. Near the very end of the war, Jul 1945, he was sent on a mission to China. Simpson retired in Nov 1946 due to illness. He was promoted to the rank of full general in Jul 1954 while on the retired list.

ww2dbaseSimpson died in 1980. He rests in peace at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, United States.

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