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RELEASE NUMBER: 051207-01
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 7, 2005

PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces legend dies at age 93 in N.C.
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 7, 2005) — Retired Army Lt. Gen. William P. Yarborough who is credited as one of the founders of U.S. Army Special Forces and -died Dec. 6 near his home in Southern Pines, N.C., at the age of 93.

Yarborough, a World War II veteran and Special Forces legend, died of natural causes.

Yarborough’s life was spent building the unique capability of Special Forces within the U.S. Army. As a young captain, he designed the airborne wings that every American paratrooper proudly wears today. Later, he won approval from the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, for the wear of the distinctive headgear of the SF Soldier - the Green Beret.

“The passing of General Yarborough marks a truly sad day for the entire Special Operations Community. He worked diligently to increase the professional and academic standards of the JFK School resulting in the development of courses that are still relevant today. His foresight was instrumental in the success of today’s Special Operations Forces. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Yarborough family,” said General Bryan “Doug” Brown, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command.

Born on May 12, 1912, in Seattle, Wash., Yarborough graduated from West Point in June 1936.

In 1940, he joined the newly formed 501st Parachute Battalion and was assigned to command Company C. Later, as Test Officer for the Provisional Parachute Group in 1941, he designed the paratrooper’s boot, the paratrooper’s uniform, and the parachutist’s qualification badge.

In 1945, he was the Provost Marshal for U.S. Forces in Austria and the Vienna Area Command. There he organized the Four Power International Patrol of Russian, French, British and American military police.

In June 1961, Gen. Yarborough assumed command of what is now known as the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Center for Special Warfare School at Fort Bragg, N.C. The school trains elite Soldiers for counterinsurgency and irregular warfare situations worldwide.

Yarborough was a veteran of four combat jumps and received numerous military awards and decorations.

Yarborough’s legacy continues today as each Soldier that graduates from the Special Forces Qualification Course is awarded the Yarborough Knife, the official U.S. Army Special Forces knife-the Yarborough Knife

He is survived by his daughter, Patty Reed, and his son, retired Special Forces Lt. Col. Lee Yarborough.

-usasoc-