World War II William Shaffer Key (October 6, 1889 – January 5, 1959) was a decorated officer of the United States Army with the rank of major general, and businessman.

He completed high school in Opelika, Alabama and enlisted the Georgia National Guard as private on April 7, 1907.

[1][2] Following the United States' entry into World War I, Key was promoted to the rank of major and embarked for France.

He was attached to the headquarters, 7th Division under Brigadier General Charles H. Barth and served as divisional quartermaster during Champagne Defensive, Château-Thierry, Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse–Argonne offensive.

[1][7][2] Key returned to the United States in early 1919, re-entering both the hardware business and the Oklahoma National Guard.

During the rising racial tensions in Okmulgee and Tulsa counties, Governor Jack C. Walton declared martial law and Key commanded Oklahoma City military district.

Key was appointed warden at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester in early 1924 and held that job until late 1927.

Following his return from France, Key reverted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and served as commanding officer of the 160th Field Artillery Regiment until July 1925.

[1][6][2] Due to worsening situation in Europe, Key was called up into active service in September 1940 and led his command during the Louisiana Maneuvers in the fall of the year.

He then received additional duty as commanding general, Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was responsible for the training and preparation of 45th Infantry Division for service overseas.

While in this capacity, he established the school for Military Police and during a thirty-day course, students were trained mostly in the map reading; methods of patrolling towns liberated from Germany; guarding of the prisoners of war and other.

Key then resumed his duties as provost marshal and was succeeded by Major General Milton Reckord in June that year.