William James Livsey
General, U.S. Army

William James Livsey was born 8 June 1931 in Clarkston, GA. He is a 1952 graduate of North Georgia College & State University. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the Regular Army.

In 1953, Livsey served his first combat tour as platoon leader with the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea. He commanded his first company with the 30th Infantry at Fort Benning, GA, in 1954. From 1958-61, he served in Germany as a Company Commander in the 2nd Armored Rifle Battalion, 36th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division. He served his second combat tour in Vietnam from 1967-68 with the 4th Infantry Division as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 (Operations), and as the Commander, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry of the 3rd Brigade Task Force.

In May 1971, Livsey took command of the 2nd Brigade 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, CO. He returned to Fort Carson in 1974 to serve as the Assistant Division Commander (Support) and as the Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) for the Infantry Division (Mechanized) until June 1976. From July 1977 to May 1979, he was the Commanding General of the Infantry Center and Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning.

In May 1979, Livsey became the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized), U.S. Army Europe where he served until June 1981. He then assumed the position of Commanding General, VII Corps, U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), and served there until July 1983. From July 1983 until April 1984 he served as the Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command as well as Commanding General of the Third U.S. Army, Fort McPherson, GA.

Other notable assignments include, I Corps Chief of Staff in Korea; Executive to the Army Chief of Staff in Washington, DC and Southeast Asia; staff officer in the Office of Research and Development; and leadership instructor at West Point.

In May, 1984, and until his retirement on 30 June 1987, Livsey served as Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command/Commander-in-Chief Combined Forces Command/ Commander, U.S. Forces, Korea/Commanding General Eighth U.S. Army (CINCUNC/CINCCFC/COMUSFK/CG EUSA).

Additional Education

He has a Master's Degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. His military schooling includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses; the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (where he graduated first in his class); the Armed Forces Staff College; and the Army War College.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Air Medal with Numeral 2
Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device and 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon and Numeral 2
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm
United Nations Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star
Parachutist Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge

Honors

He served as a trustee for the University Foundation of North Georgia College & State University during FY 2006-07.

In October 2008, a portion of Highway 314 in Fayetteville, GA was renamed in his honor, the 'General Bill Livsey Highway.' Numerous active and retired military leaders, including Major General Jack Wheeler, were in attendance. Also in attendance was HeroBox, a non-profit organization that sends custom care packages to American soldiers.

On 18 April 2009, the drill field at the center of North Georgia College & State University's campus was renamed the William J. "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field in the retired General's honor. A commemorative plaque bearing Livsey's likeness was added near the reviewing stand.

Personal

Livsey and his wife, the former Bena Sue Burns, currently reside in Fayetteville, GA. They have four sons.