Lieutenant General Willard Stewart Paul (February 28, 1894 – March 21, 1966) was a senior United States Army officer who commanded the 26th Infantry Division during World War II.

In 1916 Paul joined the Colorado Army National Guard as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery Branch to serve on the Mexican border during the Pancho Villa Expedition.

Paul led the 26th Division overseas to the Western Front in late August 1944, arriving at Cherbourg, France in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) in early September 1944, three months after the Normandy landings.

The 26th Division's first major action of the war was during the Battle of the Bulge towards the end of the year where it played an important role in the counterattack by Lieutenant General George Patton's Third Army that reduced the German salient.

Interestingly, Paul was also the recipient of four decorations from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during World War II - the highest number awarded to an individual U.S. Army servicemember.

[3] The citation for his Silver Star reads: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Willard Stewart Paul (ASN: 0-5616), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding General of the 26th Infantry Division on 8 November 1944, in France.

The presence of General Paul at this most critical and dangerous undertaking resulted in the successful river crossing along the entire front of his division which was reflected in the capture of over 600 prisoners and an advance of over two miles into the hostile position.

Major General Paul's inspiring leadership, disregard for personal safety, and loyal devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Lieutenant General Willard Paul died at Walter Reed Army Hospital on March 21, 1966, and was buried in Section 30, Grave 1073 RH of Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.