Charles Fountain Willis, Jr. (July 23, 1918 - March 16, 1993) was born in Beaumont, Texas and earned a B.A. from the University of Florida in 1939. During World War II, Willis was a commander in the Naval Air Arm of the United States Navy. He served as a patrol pilot, a bomber pilot, and a fighter pilot. His efforts earned the Distinguished Flying Cross three times, three Air Medals, and a Purple Heart. After Eisenhower's election in late 1952, Willis joined Eisenhower's staff and served as assistant to the assistant to the president from January 23, 1953 until June 30, 1955.