William Wharton (1925–2008) was the pen name of the American author Albert William Du Aime. He is best known for his first novel, Birdy, which was also adapted into a successful film.

Wharton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1943 and was inducted into the school's Wall of Fame in 1997. During World War II, he volunteered to serve in the United States Army and was initially trained as an engineer. However, he ended up serving in the infantry and was severely wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.

After his military service, Wharton attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned an undergraduate degree in art.