William Lake McKittrick (June 30, 1897 – March 27, 1984) was a decorated aviation officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general.

[1] Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as private on March 10, 1918, and following his quick promotion to corporal, he was attached to the School of Application for officer training.

McKittrick returned stateside in August 1925 and following the service with Fighter Squadron Two at Quantico, he was appointed a student at Advanced Flying School at Kelly Field, Texas.

While in this capacity, he was promoted to the rank of captain on November 30, 1934, and was sent for instruction at Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, in August 1935.

He graduated in June 1936 along with some later famous general officers Thomas J. Cushman, Ira C. Eaker, John R. Hodge, William E. Kepner, Elwood R. Quesada, Stanley E. Ridderhof or Nathan F.

[4] In June 1936, recently graduated McKittrick was appointed officer in charge of the aerial operations and training at Marine Corps Air Station, Quantico.

McKittrick directed air operations during the Bombing of Rabaul in late 1943 and early 1944 and received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his work in this capacity.

He remained in this capacity until 16 June 1944, when he was succeeded by his tactical school classmate, Colonel Stanley E. Ridderhof and subsequently appointed Air Defense Commander during the Battle of Saipan.

[3] McKittrick finally retired from the Marine Corps in October 1951 and was advanced to the rank of major general for having been specially commended in combat.