Willard Arthur Saunders (October 25, 1904 – November 2, 1969) was a highly decorated submarine commander in the United States Navy during World War II and later rear admiral.

However, he was recalled to active duty five years later and served as director of the International Staff of the Inter-American Defense Board from July 1, 1963, to August 31, 1964.

Saunders then received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and, during his time there, he was active on the bowling team and Gymkhana Class committee.

[4] Many of his classmates became flag officers later including future Chief of Naval Operations George W. Anderson, Jr.; Admiral John Thach; vice admirals Glynn R. Donaho and Herbert D. Riley; Marine lieutenant generals John C. Munn and Alan Shapley; rear admirals Clarence E. Coffin, Samuel H. Crittenden Jr., Timothy F. Donohue, Thomas J. Hamilton, Herbert L. Hoerner, William P. Chilton, Alexander M. Kowalzyk, William L. Knickerbocker, Leland R. Lampman, William H. Leahy, William F. Royall, Brooke Schumm; Marine major generals Marion L. Dawson, Francis M. McAlister, Samuel S. Jack, Jack P. Juhan, David F. O'Neill, Henry R. Paige; and Marine brigadier generals Richard P. Ross Jr., Walter L. J. Bayler, Joseph W. Earnshaw, Harold D. Hansen, Archie E. O'Neil, Miles S. Newton, George H. Potter and Earl S.

Upon the completion of the course in June 1936, he was promoted to lieutenant and assumed command of submarine S-21, operating with Pacific Fleet from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Saunders led his vessel during the patrols in the Caribbean and Chesapeake Bay in order to prevent Nazi U-Boots from the scouting of the areas.

During the period from February to April 1942, he directed his ship in several successful attacks on armed enemy vessels without damage or injury to material or personnel of his command and received the Navy Cross, the United States' second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.

In February 1953, Saunders assumed duty as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 30 and took part in the naval operations off the coast of Korea during the war.

[18][19] He then worked as representative of the Pure Oil Company in Brazil, Argentina and Libya, before he was recalled to active duty in early 1963 and assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

In July that year, he was appointed Director of the International Staff of the Inter-American Defense Board and held this assignment until the end of August 1964, when he retired for second time.

While in this capacity, Saunders was responsible to the Council of Delegates of the Board for the leadership and guidance required to produce successful solutions to the problems of common hemispheric defense of the American Continent.