Father of the Green Berets General William Yarborough: The Man Who Forged the Green Berets and America’s Paratroopers

Lieutenant General William Pelham Yarborough stands as a titan of the United States’ military innovation in the twentieth-century. His name is synonymous with the development of America’s airborne and Special Forces capabilities. Yet, despite his monumental influence through a career spanning four decades of pivotal global conflict and Cold War maneuvering, Yarborough remains for many a historical enigma figure whose name graces institutions but whose full, complex story resonates with an intriguing blend of mystery, myth, and speculation. Yarborough pioneered the modern American paratrooper, being instrumental in designing the iconic US Army parachutist badge, jump boots, and specialized airborne equipment (for which he held patents), effectively sculpting the image of America’s Second World War airborne soldier. He commanded the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion in key operations from North Africa (Operation Torch – America’s first combat parachute mission) through Italy (Anzio) and into Southern France (Operation Dragoon). Yarborough later led the 473rd Infantry Regiment in the final victorious offensives in Italy. As Commander of the Special Warfare Center from 1961 to 1965, Yarborough tirelessly developed core Special Forces doctrine, established rigorous and innovative training programs (including the vital Language School), and spearheaded the expansion of the force. In this respect, Yarborough played the decisive role in securing President John F. Kennedy’s official authorization for the Green Beret as the distinctive headgear of Special Forces, cementing their unique identity. Held also critical high-level roles, including as the U.N. Military Armistice Commission’s representative in Korea, Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence during a turbulent period, Commander of I Corps in Korea, and Deputy CINC/Chief of Staff of US Army Pacific. William Yarborough was also an influential military writer, being the author of books and numerous articles on unconventional warfare, airborne operations, and military history throughout his career and active retirement. Drawn extensively on Lieutenant General Yarborough’s personal and professional papers, in this meticulously researched account Christopher Mullins has produced the first biography of a remarkable man whose full, complex story has remained largely unchronicled – until now.