Professional Soldiers ® - LTG William P. Yarborough

It is sad to report that at approximately 11:30 hrs., December 6, 2005, LTG (R) William P. Yarborough passed away. A little info about him...

William P. Yarborough

Lieutenant-General William Pelham Yarborough (born May 12, 1912 Washington) was a U.S. Army officer and a 1936 graduate of West Point. He is descended from the York County House of Yarborough which can trace its lines to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 under the founder of the house: Eustacius de Yerburgh. William Yarborough is a distant cousin to such British noble figures as the Baron Deramore and Lord Alvingham.

In 1941, Yarborough was a captain when the Army began to experiment with Airborne forces. At that time, he designed the parachutist badge, also known as "jump wings", proudly worn by airborne troops after 5 combat jumps. During World War II, Yarborough planned the first combat airborne assault, Operation Torch, and also jumped in it with the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. He later became commander of this unit during the Italian Campaign.

Yarborough was later known as the "father of the Green Berets", as first commander of the Special Warfare Center, and a pioneer in special forces tactics. From 1 December 1966 to 15 July 1968, Yarborough, then a Major General, served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Headquarters, Department of the Army. He was later promoted to Lieutenant General

A fierce warrior and great man well deserving of everyone's thoughts and prayers. If not for him where would the "old bold warriors" on this site be?

Rest In Peace Sir