William Renwick Smedberg Jr. (January 3, 1871 – October 9, 1942) was a career officer in the United States Army.

[1][2] The senior Smedberg was a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War who was wounded and lost a leg at the Battle of the Wilderness.

[1] Initially assigned to the 4th Cavalry Regiment, Smedberg served first at Fort Bidwell, California, then at the Presidio of San Francisco.

[8] He was noted for his athletic prowess, and early in his military career he took part in sports including baseball,[1] football,[9] and horse racing.

[10] In 1896, Smedberg was assigned to the West Point staff, first as a cadet tactical officer, then as an instructor in modern languages.

[1] During the Philippine–American War of 1899 to 1901, Smedberg continued to serve as an aide to Young, who commanded first a provisional brigade in the 1st Division of the Eighth Army Corps, and then the 1st District of the Department of Northern Luzon.

[12] Subsequent investigation of possible atrocities by the U.S. military highlighted Smedberg's efforts to prevent soldiers from looting Filipino homes and personal property.

[14] In 1912, he was posted to Fort Clark, Texas as a member of the board created to consider machine gun weapons and tactics and make recommendations for procurement and training.

[1] After the war, Smedberg was assigned to command the Military District of Arizona, with responsibility for maintaining the security of the border with Mexico[15][16] and he reverted to the permanent rank of colonel.

[22] William R. Smedberg III was a career officer in the United States Navy and retired as a Vice admiral.