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After an assignment in the Pentagon in research and development, Fulton
attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, served as a member of a special study group in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was a member of the Army War College's staff and faculty during
which time he completed his studies for a master's degree in international relations from George Washington University.
Fulton then joined the re-activated 9th Infantry Division – the "Old Reliables" -- at Fort Riley, Kan.
As the United States increased its troop commitment to Southeast Asia, Fulton became the commander of the
division's 2nd Brigade and, under his leadership, his unit expanded from a handful of officers and noncommissioned officers into a full-strength, combat-ready fighting unit that was deployed to Vietnam in late
January 1967.
While in country, Fulton launched combat operations in the Mekong River Delta and later, because of its combat efficiencies in this new endeavor, the brigade teamed up with Navy Task Force 117
to form the Mobile Riverine Force – an effective and proficient joint fighting unit of historic proportions.
To record the successes of these operations, Fulton later authored a monograph titled "Vietnam
Studies – Riverine Operations, 1966 –1969."
After becoming the 9th Division's assistant division commander, Fulton served in several key staff assignments in Washington and also as the deputy commanding
general, U.S. Army Training Center (Infantry), Fort Polk, La.; commanding general, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash., and commanding general, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Fort Sheridan, Ill.
In
addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, Fulton's other awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal (14 awards), the
Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge (two awards).
"General Bill Fulton was truly an American hero and a 'Soldier's Soldier," the president of the Association of the United States Army
said.
"Serving in the Army for over 31 years in Italy, Germany, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and the United States, General Fulton had a vision for the future of our Army – especially in Vietnam was he was a pioneer
in joint operations when he joined his forces with a Navy unit in the historic Riverine Operations," Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., said.
He added, "He brought that vision, dedication and dynamic
leadership to AUSA after he retired from active duty. He led this Association to new heights and helped put our Annual Meeting and Exposition on the path to becoming the world's largest and best land warfare forum."
Fulton is survived be his wife, the former Nancy Tuttle. They are the parents of four children, Claire, Judith, Laurie and William Jr.
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