At Ellis W. Williamson's promotion ceremony to Brigadier General, in June 1963, Secretary of the Army, Elvis J. Stahr remarked, "The army's promoting men to General officer a lot sooner than they used to."

"Yes sir," quipped Williamson. "This is my second promotion in nineteen years."

General Willuamson was working at the pentagon helping to develop the airmobile concept with rotary wing aircraft. He became the first commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) following his promotion to Brigadier General.