Brigadier General William C. “Bill” David, U.S. Army (Retired), served 28 years on active duty as an infantryman followed by 15 years in a variety of private sector executive management positions in the Aerospace and Defense industry. As an infantry battalion commander in 1993 he led the historic “Blackhawk Down” rescue of Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia and as an infantry battalion executive officer in 1991 he was the primary planner and commander of 101st Airborne Division’s lead ground assault into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
Brigadier General David’s military service began following his graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1975. During his career he commanded at the platoon, company, battalion, brigade and assistant division commander levels in a variety of Army rapid deployment units. He served overseas tours in Germany, Kosovo, Panama and Belize and is a fluent Spanish language speaker.
Brigadier General David’s military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, Bronze Star Medal (2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2), Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. As a battalion commander his unit was awarded the Army’s Valorous Unit Award for combat actions in Somalia.
Brigadier General David holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California and was a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh.