About William Westmoreland
William Childs Westmoreland (26 March 1914 – 18 July 2005) was a United States Army general, most notably the commander of United States forces during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. He later served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1968 to 1972. Born into a prosperous family in Upstate South Carolina, he demonstrated leadership abilities from an early age as a Boy Scout and attended the US Military Academy in West Point, graduating at the top of his class in 1936. He excelled during his service in the European theater during World War II, and in the Korean War, leading to him becoming one of the youngest general officers of the time. After returning from Korea, he continued to climb the ranks within the army, serving as Superintendent of West Point from 1960 to 1963. Following the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, American involvement in Vietnam steadily escalated, beginning with combat advisors. Westmoreland was sent to South Vietnam in January 1964, and took command of Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) in June. In Vietnam, Westmoreland adopted a strategy of attrition against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam, to drain them of manpower and supplies. He used artillery and air power on a huge scale. As time went on and success was not gained, public support for the war diminished, especially after the Battle of Khe Sanh and the surprise Tet Offensive in 1968. By the time he had left his command, American military forces in Vietnam had reached a peak of 535,000 personnel. Westmoreland's strategy was ultimately unsuccessful, due to growing American casualties and reliance on conscription, which undermined support for the war and weakened South Vietnamese support. Historians continue to debate his effectiveness as a commander and his emphasis on body count. Westmoreland graduated as First Captain, the highest cadet rank, and received the Pershing Sword, which is "presented to the cadet with highest level of military proficiency". At the age of 15, William became an Eagle Scout in his Boy Scouts of America (BSA) local council's Troop 1, and was recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and Silver Buffalo from the BSA as a young adult.
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