William Bradford (general)

William Brooks Bradford (March 15, 1896 – January 12, 1965) was an American Olympic equestrian and career army officer.

William Bradford
Bradford in 1936
Personal information
BornMarch 15, 1896
Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.
DiedJanuary 12, 1965 (aged 68)
Rome, Italy
Sport
SportHorse riding
Event(s)Show jumping
ClubU.S. Army
Medal record

Bronze Star and Legion of Merit

Background

Bradford was born to John Taylor Bradford (1860–1900) and Ida Brooks Bradford (1863–1929) in Tallahassee, Florida. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1916 and later from the Cavalry School in Saumur, France.

Olympic career

Bradford participated with the Army Equestrian Team in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and was Captain of the team at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.[1] He placed fourth individually in 1932 and fourth with the team in 1936.[2] For his contributions to equestrian sport, he was awarded the Gold Napoleon Cup by the Polish Ambassador to the United States.[3]

Military career

Bradford was a career military officer and was eventually promoted to Major General over the course of his career. During World War II he served with distinction in the Pacific Theater and post-war, was Commander of the U.S. Forces in Trieste, Italy. He retired from military service in 1953.[4]

Portrait of Brig. General William Bradford, Assistant Commanding General of the 99th Infantry Division. South Pacific Area. 11 April 1944. Hdqrs USAFISFA

Death

Bradford died on January 12, 1965, in Rome, Italy at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 34, Site 18-A.[5]

References
  1. "U.S. Army Horsemen Get Jump On Rivals For Olympic Honors – Captain..." Getty Images. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  2. "William Bradford – Olympic Equestrian / Jumping | United States of America". International Olympic Committee. June 17, 2016. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  3. William Bradford. sports-reference.com
  4. "Biography of Brigadier-General William Brooks Bradford (1896–1965), USA". generals.dk. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  5. Burial Detail: Bradford, William B – ANC Explorer
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