In memoriam
William H. Shaw III “Billy”
Colonel (Retired U.S. Army)

Long time supporter of Camaraderie Foundation

Passed away February 20, 2019

COL Billy Shaw joined the US Army in 1984 after graduating North Georgia College as a Distinguished Military Student. He was commissioned a 2LT in the Infantry and reported to Ft Benning Georgia where he completed his initial military educational requirements. As an Infantry Officer he served in both a Mechanized Infantry Battalion and as the Commander of an Airborne Pathfinder Detachment. After leaving Ft. Benning he transferred branches to Special Forces. Colonel Shaw served 30 years before retiring; 25 years as a Special Forces Officer with 13 years in 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His assignments in 10th Special Forces Group included Military Freefall Detachment Commander, Battalion Support Company Commander, CINC In-extremis Force (Europe) Commander, Battalion Executive Officer and Deputy Group Commander. Other assignments outside of Special Forces include serving as a Reserve Officer Training Course instructor at North Georgia College, Battalion Commander / Professor of Military Science at Auburn University, Operations Officer Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (Horn of Africa), Deputy Commander of Combined Forces Special Operations Command (Afghanistan), and the Commander of Afghanistan National Army Special Operations Advisor Group. Colonel Shaw’s overseas assignments include two tours in Stuttgart, Germany and one year each in Djibouti Africa and Afghanistan. 

Colonel Shaw has the following awards and decorations: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, six Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Canadian, Israeli, British Airborne Badges, and Ranger and Special Forces tabs.

Colonel Shaw’s military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Special Forces Qualification Course, the Command and General Staff Officers Course, Ranger, Airborne / Jumpmaster, Pathfinder, Air Assault, and Military Freefall Courses. Colonel Shaw received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from North Georgia College, a Masters of Liberal Arts degree from Louisiana State University, and is partially complete in a Doctorate of Adult Education from Auburn University. Additional certifications and experience include, High Ropes Course facilitator, Kouzes and Possner Leadership Challenge facilitator, Strengths quest facilitator, and graduate of Harvard University Executive Leadership Course. He was a strength and conditioning coach at North Georgia College and has hosted / facilitated numerous leadership development venues.