The United States Army has recruited and trained some outstanding leaders throughout time. In today’s post, we are going to examine one of those great leaders… General William Hartzog. Here are the top 8 cool facts about this Army leader.
William White Hartzog (September 21, 1941 – October 15, 2020) was a United States Army General whose commands during his 35-year career include the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, the 1st Infantry Division, and United States Army South. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. ~ Wikipedia
#1: Birth
William Hartzog was born on September 21st, 1941 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
#2: Author
While an instructor at West Point, General Hartzog authored the book “American Military Heritage.” The book has been so popular that TRADOC reprinted it in a self-published format. TRADOC believes that the book could help drill instructors and other Army leaders instill an appreciation for the lore and traditions that make up the Army’s rich heritage.
You can get a copy below.
#3: The Citadel’s Only
One of the top military colleges in the nation, General William Hartzog graduated from this Charleston, South Carolina school in 1963 with a degree in English.
What makes this so cool is the fact that General Hartzog is the only Citadel graduate to ever attain the rank of 4 star General in the United States Army.
Because of this, General Hartzog was presented by The Citadel’s Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics on March 8, 2013. The award is presented annually to a graduate who exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership through integrity and service to others.
#4: Considered The General Who Launched The Army Of The Future
General William Hartzog has entered history as being considered the Army leader who led the Army into the age of High-Tech.
Leading TRADOC from 1994 on, Hartzog pushed that the United States Army keep pace with technology as it was developed.
Gen. Hartzog continued to serve the Army and our nation after he returned to the civilian world. For nearly two decades, he served in leadership roles with the Foundation as it carried out the ambitious campaign to build the National Army Museum. The Museum’s completion is a testament to the General’s leadership, devotion and unwavering commitment to preserve the history of the American Soldier. ~ The National Museum of the United States Army
#5: Commands Held
Hartzog held various commands throughout his many years with the United States Army.
- Deployed to Vietnam in 1967, he eventually commanded a Company there.
- In 1978, he commanded the 193rd Infantry Brigade.
- He also commanded the 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia.
- In 1990, Hartzog commanded United States Army South.
- In 1991, he took command of the 1st Infantry Division.
- And from 1994, General William Hartzog took command of United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Fort Monroe, Virginia.
#6: Other Education
Besides graduating from the Citadel, Hartzog also earned a Masters Degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University; graduated from Infantry School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Army War College.
#7: Awards
The awards and decorations that adorned General William Hartzog’s uniform included:
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Senior Parachutist Badge
- Army Staff Identification Badge
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
- Army Distinguished Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
- Legion of Merit with 4 oak leaf clusters
- Soldier’s Medal
- Bronze Star with V Device and 1 oak leaf cluster
- Purple Heart
- Meritorious Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
- Air Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters
#8: Since Retiring From The United States Army
Many businesses would love to have General William Hartzog on their team.
From what I see, General Hartzog is President of Insignia Consulting Group, served as CEO of Burdeshaw Associates and was on the
- Defense Science Board,
- the Army Historical Foundation
- and the executive advisory boards of CUBIC, IMB and MITRE Corp.
Final Thoughts
General William Hartzog helped shape the Army we have today. And because of his openness to technology, other Army leaders realized we MUST stay technologically advanced in our military.
Thank you General Hartzog for all you gave in serving with the United States Army. If any reading this has any questions or feedback, you can post them below. Thank you and have a great day!
Other posts you may enjoy:
- U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC): 10 Cool Facts
- Army Futures Command: Top 8 Cool Facts
- Army Radio Etiquette: 10 Things You Should Know
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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In 1978 Lt Col Hartzog was commander of a Battalion (3rd Battalion, 5th Inf) of the 193rd Brigade, and not Commander of the whole Brigade. He and I returned to the US on same flight out of Panama in 1980.
That’s awesome. Thanks for clarifying that for us, Rodric.
He was my friend. I lost my friend 2 days ago. I will forever be grateful for who he is, what he has done, and how he mentored me as a person. Rest in Peace…..Farewell Soldier, farewell…
Benjamin Gonzalez, MD
LTC (USA Retired)
RIP, General Hartzog. Thanks for giving us the update, Ben. And thanks for your service.