William T. Anton

1948 – 2017

Biography from Ranger Hall of Fame: LTC (Ret) William T. Anton, Ed. D.

Dr. William T. Anton was born in Chicago, Illinois on 7 July 1948 to LTC (Ret.) & Mrs. Andrew Anton. Upon completion of High School, Ranger Anton accepted an ROTC scholarship to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Ranger Anton played football for the Cornhuskers. Due to an injury sustained playing football, Ranger Anton ceased to play for the team so that he may continue his role as cadet. In ’69-‘70, Ranger Anton was selected as National Commander of Pershing Rifles, and promoted to Cadet Major General. He was the highest ranking ROTC Cadet in the United States with over 20,000 cadets in his command, with 17 Regiments.

Ranger Anton, a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG), entered active duty into the United States Army in February 1970 as a Regular Army 2nd Lt. and completed I.O.B.C. From this point, Ranger Anton successfully completed and graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School and the U.S. Army Ranger School with Ranger Class 14-70.

Ranger Anton was a Patrol Platoon Leader in Co. O (Arctic Ranger) 75th Inf. (Airborne) and made the historic first tactical parachute jump on the Polar Ice Cap. Ranger Anton served with Co. H (Ranger) 75th Inf. (Airborne), the most decorated combat Ranger Unit in Vietnam, serving as Company Commander and Executive Officer. Ranger Anton was decorated for valor while serving in this unit. Ranger Anton retired from Active Duty in November, 1990 after serving 20 years on Active Duty in the United States Army.