William Huff
Following a decorated military career, William Huff has dedicated his time to helping others who have seen the horrors of combat.
This week Huff, a Highlands resident, returned to his hometown of Columbus, Georgia, on Nov. 4 to be inducted into the “Georgia Military Veteran’s Hall of Fame” in recognition of his service to his country and fellow veterans.
“Bill isn’t the kind of guy to seek out any type of accolades, but there is no one more deserving of such an honor,” American Legion Post 370 past president Ed McCloskey said. “Not only for the courageous things he did while active duty, but for how he has left a legacy of helping veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.”
While being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a high honor, it’s not Huff’s only recent recognition. He was elected to the board of the National Infantry Association in April, the only Marine to ever hold a board seat. The organization has 12,000 members whose mission is to preserve the history of the United States infantry, which dates back to 1775.
In May, Huff was invited to join the Order of St. Maurice, the patron saint of the Infantry.
“For one person to be recognized three times in just a few months is special,” legion member and historian Osborne Oakley said. “It goes to show not only what a fine soldier Bill was, but the fine man that he is today.”
Huff started his military service while in college via an officer training program. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and following his graduation from the University of Georgia he was sent to Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division.
During his combat tour he was promoted to Captain, earned a Navy Commendation Medal, and two Vietnam Service Stars. He was cited for “his skill and courage, and upholding the finest tradition of the Marine Corps.” He is authorized to wear a “Combat V.”
The 3rd Marine Division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, one of only eight presented in Vietnam.
Following his return to the United States, he became a stock broker in Columbus. Huff built a successful career despite battling ongoing PTSD. He and his friend Jack Collins formed Collins and Huff Interior Design and helped each other deal with their lingering effects of war.
Huff married his wife Maudie and they raised three children splitting time between Columbus and a second home in Highlands.
“Bill’s passion for serving veterans is apparent through his involvement with many organizations, such as the National Infantry Museum, the Student Resource Center at UGA, and the Military Affiliated Student Advisory Committee at Columbus State University,” Oakley said. “Here at Post 370, he is the co-chair of the Plateau Warriors Support Team, a group of ‘veterans helping veterans.’ His service continues to inspire others.”