William S. Key
William Shaffer Key | |
|---|---|
MG William S. Key, USA | |
| Born | October 6, 1889 Dudleyville, Alabama, US |
| Died | January 5, 1959 (aged 69) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1907–1949 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Service number | 0-153045 |
| Commands | Iceland Base Command United States Army Europe 45th Infantry Division 160th Field Artillery Regiment |
| Battles / wars | Pancho Villa Expedition World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Army Commendation Medal |
| Other work | Warden of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary |
William Shaffer Key (October 6, 1889 – January 5, 1959) was a decorated officer of the United States Army with the rank of major general, and businessman. A member of the Oklahoma National Guard, he was called into federal service and participated in combat on the Western Front during World War I as the division quartermaster of 7th Division.
Following the war, Key returned to the National Guard, also holding several civil assignments including warden of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, chairman of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, director of the Security National Bank, and state administrator of the Oklahoma Works Progress Administration.
Key returned to active service in September 1940 as commanding general of the 45th Infantry Division, later embarking overseas for duty as Provost Marshal General of the European Theater of Operations. He then served as commanding general, Iceland Base Command, and completed his service as Chief of the Military Control Commission for Hungary in 1946.