In the News

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced July 10 that President Joe Biden has nominated Army Maj. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham Jr. for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as the chief of engineers and commanding general, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C. The appointment requires confirmation by the Senate. If confirmed, Graham would succeed Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, whose four-year term as chief ends on September 13. 

Industry leaders, including Tracy Zea, CEO of Waterways Council Inc., and William Doyle, CEO of the Dredging Contractors of America, praised the appointment. Doyle called Graham “a great American.” 

Graham is currently serving as the deputy chief of engineers and deputy commanding general for Civil Works and Emergency Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C., until his successor completes his current assignment.  

Graham received his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1989 from the University of Pittsburgh. He is an Engineer Officer who has commanded soldiers at all levels up to division. He has served in support roles in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was director, Task Force Enhanced Security Zone, of Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan.  

Among his stateside assignments, Graham served as deputy commander of the Pittsburgh Engineer District, and assistant division engineer of the First Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Riley, Kan. 

Graham is a graduate of the Senior Service College Fellowship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Joint and Combined Warfighting School and United States Army Command and General Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from the University of Kansas.  

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with one bronze oak leaf cluster), Bronze Star Medal (with four bronze oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (with three bronze oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with one bronze oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with one bronze oak leaf cluster), and the Combat Action Badge.Graham is a graduate of the Senior Service College Fellowship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Joint and Combined Warfighting School and United States Army Command and General Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from the University of Kansas.