William Edward Cole (1874-1953) was born in Willard, Utah. He graduated from West Point in 1899 and served with the Artillery in the Canal Zone from 1914-1917. He made brigadier general in August 1918. During World War I, he was commanding general of the 11th Field Artillery Brigade and the 153rd Field Artillery at St. Mihiel. He reverted to the rank of colonel in 1920. He graduated from the General Staff College in the same year. He achieved the rank of brigadier general again in January 1930 and of major general in December 1935. He retired from the position of commander of V Corps Area in December 1938. Immediately after Pearl Harbor, the Army recalled him to active duty. He served on the War Department Personnel Board until his second retirement in September 1944. He received the Distinguished Service Medal.
From the description of Cole, William E. (William Edward), 1874-1953 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10610815
