10/09/2026
Our Society is saddened to announce the passing of COL (R) William B. DeGraf ’50, former Society Executive Director and 2014
Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient
First to graduate in a class that produced 64 general officers (including 7 four-star generals), Colonel DeGraf (Retired) was its acknowledged and unchallenged leader for decades. He led class gift programs, organized class reunions, and served as class scribe for over 40 years. His leadership might have stemmed from the fact that he was already a first lieutenant before coming to West Point (battlefield commission during World War II). After graduating he fought in Korea, received a master’s in nuclear physics, taught at USMA (Department of Electrical Engineering), and commanded the 1st Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam (earning a third Combat Infantryman Badge during that conflict, a rare feat). After retirement, DeGraf’s contributions to the Army went even further: As the Assistant Vice President of Science Applications International Corporation, he led the design, development, and activation of the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA, which is thought to be the crown jewel of the Army training system.
COL DeGraf's passing is especially significant as he was one of the rare Soldiers ever to be awarded the Combat Infantry Badge three times: WWII where he received three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and the French Legion of Honor; Korea where he deployed just after graduation to serve as an infantry platoon leader in the 24th Infantry Division and receive an additional two Bronze Stars; and Vietnam as 1st Brigade Commander in the 1st Infantry Division where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars, and nine Air Medals.
Services and arrangements will be announced at a later date. He will be interred at West Point, date TBD.
Well Done, Be Thou at Peace
