Brigadier General William C. Lee

Brigadier General William C. Lee was a key pioneer of U.S. airborne forces during World War II. Often called the "Father of the U.S. Army Airborne," he helped develop parachute infantry tactics and training, which allowed soldiers to parachute behind enemy lines. His leadership and innovations contributed significantly to the success of airborne operations in the war. Lee's dedication to modernizing the military and his forward-thinking approach earned him recognition, although he tragically died in a plane crash in 1942, before witnessing the full impact of his contributions.