Laurin Lyman Williams

Laurin Lyman Williams was a Lieutenant General in the United States Army. He was prominent during his service as the Comptroller of the Army in the late 1950s.

Early life
Williams was born on October 3, 1895, Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Yale University in 1917 and received a commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Early military career
As a junior officer Williams carried out assignments at posts throughout the United States, including Camp Fremont, California and Camp Lee, Virginia. In 1921 he graduated from the Infantry School Basic Course.

In the mid-1920s Williams served in China with the 15th Infantry Regiment. He also served as an R.O.T.C. instructor at the University of Washington.

Williams graduated from the Tank School Regular Course in 1930. In 1935 he was assigned to Plattsburgh Barracks, New York. In 1939 he completed the Command & General Staff College. In 1940 Williams was assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was then assigned to the Training and Operations Office, G-3, at the War Department General Staff.

World War II
During World War II Williams served in Europe, first as commander of the 102nd Infantry Division’s 405th Infantry Regiment, and later as assistant division commander of the 29th Infantry Division.

Post World War II
After World War II Williams served the Intelligence Group of the Army's European Command.

Korean War
General Williams served as comptroller of the U.S. Army’s Far East Command from 1949 to 1952.

Post Korean War
From 1953 to 1954 Williams served as Assistant Comptroller of the Army.

General Williams served as Comptroller of the Army from 1955 to 1957.

In early 1957 Williams was assigned to the Sixth United States Army at the Presidio, where he served until his retirement in June of that year.

Awards and decorations
Williams received the Distinguished Service Medal. He was also a recipient of the Silver Star. In addition, he was presented the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart.

Retirement and death
In retirement General Williams resided in La Jolla, California. He died in San Diego, California on January 6, 1975.