Connor, William D. (William Durward), 1874-1960

William Durward Connor (1874-1960) was born in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1897 he commissioned in the Army Corps of Engineers from West Point. In 1909 he graduated from the Army War College. During World War I, he served with the American Expeditionary Forces. He made brigadier general in June 1918. From 1919 to 1920, he was commanding general of U.S. forces in France. His next assignments were Chief of Transportation Service, from 1920 to 1921, and Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army, from 1921 to 1922. He rose to major general in September 1925, during his tour of duty as commanding general of U.S. Army forces in China, from 1923 to 1926. After serving as commanding general of the 2nd Division, he became commandant of the Army War College in 1927. From 1932 until his retirement in 1938, he was superintendent of West Point. In May 1941 the Army recalled him to active duty, and the War Department appointed him chairman of its Construction Advisory Committee. He retired again in March 1942. His awards included the Distinguished Service Medal and two Silver Stars.

From the description of Connor, William D. (William Durward), 1874-1960 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10610634