William Warren Danforth loved California, the Golden State. He was raised in Lafayette, northeast of San Francisco in those beautiful, oak covered hills. After high school, Bill spent a year as engineering major at the University of California at Berkeley. He received a presidential appointment to West Point via the California National Guard. At the Academy, Bill did very well academically, except for an occasional struggle with the English Department, graduating in the top 25 percent of his class.
His desire to attend the Academy came from his father, who had joined the California National Guard in the 1930s, serving throughout World War II and retiring as a colonel in the Army Reserve. He gave his son a love of the Army and the desire to go to West Point. Bill loved the Academy. He was one of the few cadets who never complained about anything at West Point. Unlike many classmates, he breezed through academics while rarely hitting the books really hard. He also always brightened the lives of his classmates with his easy wit. Only the English Department caused him to display an occasional frown. After graduation, Bill chose the Artillery Branch, which led to Ranger School, Airborne School, Basic Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, OK and Fort Bliss, TX, and a first tour with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. This was followed by a tour as an Artillery Advisor for Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and later back to Fort Sill at the Artillery School. Along the way there was also Command and General Staff School, a second tour in Vietnam, and an Italian tour with 559th Artillery Detachment.
In addition to the above, Bill had some terrific assignments. There was a year at the University of Southern California getting his master’s in engineering, teaching at West Point for three years, and living on the economy in Italy as an accompanied tour, where his eldest son, Bill Jr., met his future wife, Manuela. Perhaps the nicest assignment was living at the Presidio near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco while he was attached to the Recruiting Command. A Washington, DC assignment in 1981 convinced him that it was time to retire, which he did at the rank of lieutenant colonel.
After retiring from the Army, Bill joined Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories in Livermore, CA, where he worked with some of the top scientists in the nation. His main job was to review technical papers and speeches to ensure against improper release of classified or proprietary information. He found the work very stimulating, no doubt for both the lively subject matter and the collaborations with the renowned scientists. Bill called it the most exciting job one could ever have.
Retiring from the Army let Bill spend more time spoiling his four grandchildren and become more involved with his church and community. Unfortunately, he lost his younger son, Ralph, in a motorcycle accident in 1991. Bill and Doris were happily married for 36 years, raising four children (William, Kathryn, Ralph, and Sarah) to become fine adults. Sadly, in 1996, Doris passed away. After a few empty years, he married Ina, a lady who really brightened his life. She came with a young daughter who only reinforced his happiness.
Unfortunately, Bill was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away rather quickly in 1999.
Bill Danforth loved the United States and the Army. He understood well the need to serve your country and your community. Both of his sons served in the military and all of his children are involved in the community. A fine legacy.