William Henry Harrison (businessman)

Born in Brooklyn, William H. Harrison began his career in 1909, working with the New York Telephone Company, Western Electric and AT&T.

[1] In July 1940 he took a leave of absence from his position as vice president and chief engineer of AT&T when he was appointed to lead the construction division of the National Defense Advisory Commission.

[2][3] In July 1942 Harrison was commissioned a colonel in the U.S. Army, and he was soon promoted to brigadier general.

He served as Director of Procurement for the United States Army Services of Supply.

For his wartime service, Harrison received the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Order of the British Empire (Honorary Commander), the French Legion of Honour (Officer) and the Hoover Medal.