| William Ruthven | |
| Assembly: | Victorian Legislative |
| Term Start: | 28 May 1955 |
| Term End: | 14 July 1961 |
| Predecessor: | New district |
| Assembly2: | Victorian Legislative |
| Term Start2: | 10 November 1945 |
| Term End2: | 27 May 1955 |
| Predecessor2: | New district |
| Term Start3: | 1945 |
| Term End3: | 1946 |
| Successor3: | R.L. Friend |
| Birth Date: | 21 May 1893 |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Nickname: | Rusty |
| Allegiance: | Australia |
| Serviceyears: | 1915–1918 1941–1944 |
| Battles: | |
| Mawards: | Victoria Cross |
William "Rusty" Ruthven, VC (21 May 1893 – 12 January 1970) was an Australian soldier and state Labor politician. For actions in the First World War he was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Born in Collingwood, Victoria, William Ruthven was educated locally at the Vere Street State School. He became a mechanical engineer and was employed in the timber industry prior to his enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force in April 1915 for service in the First World War. He stood only 168cm (66inches) tall, just above the minimum height requirement.
Ruthven was 24 years old, and a sergeant in the 22nd Battalion, 2nd Division, when at Ville-sur-Ancre on 19 May 1918 the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The full citation for his actions appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette on 11 July 1918:[1]