Life Story
Major General Paul Langdon Williams (1894–1968) was a distinguished
United States Army Air Forces and United States Air Force ofcer,
renowned for his pivotal role in developing and leading airborne
operations during World War II.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 16, 1894, in Detroit, Michigan, Williams moved to Los
Angeles during his childhood. He graduated from Stanford University
in 1917 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later that year, he was
commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Reserve. In
October 1917, he enlisted as an aviation cadet in the Aviation Section
of the Signal Enlisted Reserve Corps, receiving his wings and a second
lieutenant’s commission in February 1918.
Military Career
After completing ight training, Williams served at various U.S. Air
Service bases, including Carlstrom Field, Gerstner Field, and Calexico,
California. In July 1920, he received a regular commission as a second
lieutenant in the Air Service and was promoted to rst lieutenant the
same day. He served in multiple roles, including post transportation
ofcer at Mather Field and operations ofcer for the 96th Bombardment
Squadron at Langley Field. Williams also served as a ying instructor
and held several positions at the Air Corps Primary Flying School at
Brooks Field and Randolph Field in Texas
Williams’s impact on World War II was dened by his command of
the Ninth Troop Carrier Command (IX TCC), a force that became the
backbone of Allied airborne operations in the European theater. As
its commanding general, he was responsible for the airlift of the 17th,
82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions, playing a critical role in some of
the war’s most famous campaigns.
His experience with airborne operations began earlier in the war. He was
involved in organizing the air transport squadrons for Operation Torch,