William A. McCain

William A. McCain (25 August 1878 – 13 May 1960) was a career officer in the United States Army. A 1902 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he attained the rank of brigadier general. A veteran of the Mexican Border War, World War I, and World War II, he specialized in Quartermaster activities, and his commands included the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot. McCain served from 1902 until nearly reaching the mandatory retirement age in 1942; he retired for disability a few weeks before his 64th birthday. McCain's awards included the Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster.

A native of Carrollton, Mississippi and a member of the prominent McCain family, McCain was educated in the local schools and attended the University of Mississippi before receiving an appointment to West Point in 1898. he graduated in 1902 and was commissioned in the Cavalry. He served in the western United States and the Philippines, including a posting as the last commander of Fort Washakie, Wyoming before the army abandoned the post. During the Mexican Border War, he took part in Cavalry patrols on the U.S. border with Mexico and he participated in the 1916 Battle of Columbus. During World War I, McCain served on the staff of the 83rd Division and as Ordnance officer of the V Corps. After the war, he took part in the Occupation of the Rhineland as assistant chief of staff for Logistics (G-4) at the headquarters of the army's Services of Supply.

After the First World War, McCain graduated from the Army Industrial College and United States Army War College, and served as chief of the procurement division at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot and director of the Army Industrial College. From 1934 until retiring in 1942, McCain commanded the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot, a period which included providing clothing for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and the army at the start of the Second World War.

In retirement, McCain became a resident of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He died in Doylestown on 13 May 1960. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.