William Edward Ellis

William Edward Ellis (November 7, 1908 – September 26, 1982) was a vice admiral in the U.S. Navy. He ended his 40 year career as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT). Ellis first distinguished himself as a naval aviator during World War II, during which time he earned commendations for service in the North African Campaign and, later, valor awards for his leadership as Commander Air Group 18 aboard USS ''Intrepid''.

Ellis was promoted to ''Intrepid'''s Air Officer in November 1944, beginning his transition to naval command. In the immediate wake of the Korean War he captained the escort carrier USS ''Badoeng Strait'', but his next assignment gave him command of the supercarrier USS ''Forrestal'' for its inaugural cruise in 1957. Following his year with ''Forrestal'' he was made Chief of Staff to Commander Carrier Division 6. A year later Ellis received a rank promotion to rear admiral and by 1961 he was serving as Commander Carrier Division 2. In 1964, along with another rank promotion to vice admiral, Ellis became Commander Sixth Fleet. Ellis's promotion to Chief of Staff SACLANT occurred close to his retirement in 1968. Ellis died from cancer on September 26, 1982. Provided by Wikipedia