William E. (“Bill”) Krilling joined the Army in 1946. He served in various communications positions until 1949 when he started shooting with the post team at Fort Belvoir. In 1950, Bill participated in the nuclear detonation tests at Einwetok Atoll in the Pacific.
During the Korean Conflict, Bill served as an infantry company first Sergeant. He was one of the youngest Master Sergeants to serve on active duty. Bill was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry during the war.
Between the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, Bill continued his shooting earning many accolades such as the distinguished rifleman Badge, CISM Champion, and team member of the winning National Trophy Team Match. In 1967 Bill served as an advisor to a Vietnamese infantry battalion.
Following his service in Vietnam, Bill again returned to the USAMU serving as a shooter, instructor, and coach. During his shooting career, Bill won six national championship titles. He was the first person to shoot a perfect 3,200 on the NRA outdoor prone course of fire. He won four gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals in international competitions. He retired in 1971 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Bill rejoined the USAMU in May 1974 as the coach of the International Rifle Team. He also served as the U.S. National Team coach from 1981 to 1986 and has served in several different capacities for both the U.S. Team and the International Sport Shooting Federation. Bill was named the U.S. Olympic Committee 1998 National Shooting coach of the Year. Bill has served on numerous ISSF juries for world-level competitions include the juries for five Olympic Games. Bill was inducted into the AMU Hall of Fame in 1998. Between May of 1973 and March of 2001 he coached his team to 105 CISM medals, 172 CAT medals, 84 Pan Am medals, 185 World Cup Medals, and 4 Olympic Medals; a grand total of 550 medals won in international competition.