Who Is William Westmoreland? Age, Biography and Wiki
William Westmoreland was born on March 26, 1914, and passed away on July 18, 2005, at the age of 91. He was a prominent general in the United States Army renowned for his leadership during the Vietnam War. Initially enlisting as a second lieutenant in the army, Westmoreland rose through the ranks to eventually become the commander of U.S. forces in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968. He is often discussed in historical contexts related to military strategy and the complexities of the Vietnam War. More about his life and legacy can be found on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1914 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Saxon, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 18 July, 2005 |
| Died Place | Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
Popularity
William Westmoreland's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for William Westmoreland are not well-documented, he was known to have a commanding presence. A typical male general of his time would likely stand around 6 feet tall. His weight and body stats might have varied throughout his life, especially due to the stresses of military service during wartime.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
William Westmoreland was married to his beloved wife, Jeannette Westmoreland, with whom he had three children. The couple enjoyed a long and committed relationship that lasted until his passing in 2005. As a figure whose private life largely remained private, there is little public information about his dating history or any other relationships prior to his marriage.
During the acrimonious trial, Mike Wallace was hospitalized for depression, and despite the legal conflict separating the two, Westmoreland and his wife sent him flowers. Wallace's memoir is generally sympathetic to Westmoreland, although he makes it clear he disagreed with him on issues surrounding the Vietnam War and the Nixon Administration's policies in Southeast Asia.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2005, estimates placed Westmoreland's net worth in the range of several million dollars. While specific figures regarding his salary during his military career are not disclosed, high-ranking officers like him typically received substantial salaries complemented by retirement benefits and pensions.
Career, Business and Investments
Westmoreland's career was solely dedicated to military service. He began his tenure as a U.S. Army officer during World War II and gained prominence in various roles during the Korean War and the early stages of the Vietnam War. Post-retirement, he engaged in various speaking engagements and wrote his memoirs, offering insights into military strategies and his experiences in combat. His influence continued in educational and military strategy circles, contributing to discussions and analyses of military tactics long after his active service.
In Vietnam, Westmoreland adopted a strategy of attrition against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army, to drain them of manpower and supplies. He also made use of the United States' superiority in artillery and air power, employed in tactical confrontations and in relentless strategic bombing of North Vietnam.
Social Network
As a military figure, Westmoreland did not utilize contemporary social media networks during his lifetime. However, his legacy is often celebrated and discussed on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and dedicated military history forums and pages. Many historians and military enthusiasts share information and insights about his contributions and the legacy of his leadership in Vietnam.
After the war, Westmoreland completed paratrooper training at the Army's Jump School in 1946. He then commanded the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. From 1947 to 1950, he served as chief of staff for the 82nd Airborne Division.
He was an instructor at the Command and General Staff College from August to October 1950 and at the newly organized Army War College from October 1950 to July 1952. From July 1952 to October 1953, Westmoreland commanded the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Japan and Korea.
He was promoted to brigadier general in November 1952 at the age of 38, making him one of the youngest U.S. Army generals in the post-World War II era.
Education
William Westmoreland graduated from West Point in 1936, where he began his illustrious military career. His education and training at the United States Military Academy laid the foundation for his strategy-oriented approach to warfare. Throughout his career, Westmoreland emphasized the importance of education and training in military effectiveness.
In conclusion, the life of William Westmoreland continues to be a relevant topic in military history discussions. His career, achievements, and challenges during a tumultuous time in American history remain important for understanding the complexities of military leadership.
His upper middle class family was involved in the local banking and textile industries. Eugenia's aunt, Bessie Springs Childs, lived with other influential family members in Columbia, South Carolina, owning property that would become the Visanska Starks House. The family operated Springs Industries (now Springs Global) railroads and utilities.
