Sam Barlow Williams (7 May 1921 in Seattle, Washington – 22 June 2009[1] in Indian Wells, California[2]) was an American inventor and founder of Williams International.
He was best known for his development of the small fan-jet engine, and received several prestigious awards for innovation in this field of aviation.
Among the awards that Williams received were: The Medal of Technology was awarded to Williams for: "His unequaled achievements as a gifted inventor, tenacious entrepreneur, risk-taker and engineering genius in making the USA number one in small gas turbine engine technology and competitiveness, and for his leadership and vision in revitalizing the U.S. general aviation business jet and trainer jet aircraft industry."
In addition to efforts in aviation, he helped promote inventors and inventions in medical research for cancer and for degenerative eye disease, with which he was afflicted.
The first production contract was for an experimental gas turbine for a marine outboard.