William J. Ross is a character who was introduced in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "A Time to Stand".
He was portrayed by the late Barry Jenner.
Biography[]
William Ross is is the field commander of Starfleet forces during the Dominion War and the coordinator of Starfleet's defense of the Bolian and Bajoran fronts in the early stages of that war.
During the first three months of the war, Ross comes under severe pressure to halt the advance of the Dominion. He makes Captain Sisko his adjutant. As the war progresses, Ross takes a much more tactical role rather than strategically planning the war effort. After the first battle of Chin'toka, Ross is posted aboard Deep Space Nine to command the Allied forces presently hemmed in at Chin'toka. During the Battle of Cardassia, Ross leads the Starfleet wing of the assault fleet. He devises the planned assault on Cardassia and, soon afterwards, presides over the signing of the Treaty of Bajor.
It is later revealed that Ross was one of the few Starfleet personnel to know of the existence of Section 31. Although he collaborates with Section 31 in one of their operations, like Julian Bashir, he staunchly maintains that he is not a member of the organization.
Ross appeared in twelve episodes beginning with the season 6 episode "A Time to Stand".
