William O. Wooldridge

William O. Wooldridge
Sergeant Major of the Army William O. Wooldridge
Born(1922-08-12)August 12, 1922
Shawnee, Oklahoma
DiedMarch 5, 2012(2012-03-05) (aged 89)
El Paso, Texas
Buried
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1940–1972
RankSergeant Major of the Army
Battles / warsWorld War II
Vietnam War
AwardsSilver Star (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal (6)
Army Commendation Medal (2)
Purple Heart
Croix de guerre (Belgium)

William O. Wooldridge (August 12, 1922 – March 5, 2012) was a United States Army soldier and the first Sergeant Major of the Army.

Wooldridge served on active duty from 1940 to 1972. His military career spanned two wars and 14 campaigns, during which he was twice decorated for gallantry in action. He was sworn in as the first Sergeant Major of the Army on July 11, 1966.