W. Russell Todd Explained

W. Russell Todd
Birth Date:1 May 1928
Birth Place:Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Death Place:Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.
Allegiance:United States of America
Branch:United States Army
Rank:Major general
Commands:1st Cavalry Division

William Russell Todd (May 1, 1928 – February 12, 2023) was a United States Army major general who served as commander of the 1st Cavalry Division from 1976 to 1978. He graduated from Norwich University in 1950, and was the university's president from 1982 to 1992.

Biography

Todd was born in Seattle, Washington, on May 1, 1928. He graduated from Norwich University in 1950, and received his commission as a second lieutenant of cavalry in the United States Army.[1] [2] He led an Armor platoon in Korea during the Korean War.[3]

In 1964, Todd received a master of business administration degree from the University of Alabama. He subsequently commanded 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, after which he attended the Naval War College.[4] After graduating, he commanded 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

From November 1976 to November 1978, Todd was commander of the 1st Cavalry Division.[5] In 1972, Todd headed the modern volunteer Army office at the Pentagon, transiting the drafted Army to an all-volunteer force. In 1982, Todd was appointed president of Norwich University.[6] He remained in this position until retiring in 1992.

Todd died on February 12, 2023, at the age of 94.[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: Associated Press . April 9, 1982 . Army Officer Will Take Over as Norwich University President . Burlington Free Press . Burlington, Vermont . 19 . subscription . .
  2. Book: Adjutant General of the United States Army . 1955 . Official Army Register . Washington, DC . US Government Printing Office . 810.
  3. Web site: Norwich alumni honored at Sharon rest area Vietnam Memorial . August 20, 2005 . Norwich University News & Events . Norwich University . Northfield, Vermont. .
  4. News: July 21, 1968 . Ft. Riley Roundup . Manhattan Mercury . Manhattan, Kansas . 7 . subscription .
  5. Book: Banks, Herbert G. . 2002 . 1st Cavalry Division: A Spur Ride Through the 20th Century . Paducah, Kentucky . Turner Publishing Company . 155 . 978-1-56311-785-5.
  6. Book: 2013 . Cadet Handbook . Northfield, Vermont . Norwich University . 103 . . 2017-01-26 . 2017-03-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170329094219/http://about.norwich.edu/pdf/cadet_handbook.pdf . dead .
  7. Web site: Norwich Mourns the Loss of President Emeritus, MG W. Russell Todd USA (Ret) . Norwich University . 14 February 2023.