MGySgt Michael A. Williams, U.S. Marine Corps

Michael Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 1976 and trained as a Field Artillery Fire Direction Controlman. His first assignment was with Battery M, 3d Battalion, 10th Marines at Camp Lejeune, serving in the battery's FDC. He continued his work in the FDC on his next assignment with Battery F, 2d Battalion, 12th Marines on Okinawa. Williams returned to 10th Marines and was assigned to Battery H, 3d Battalion, where he served as the Battery Operations Chief and deployed twice to the Mediterranean as part of an amphibious task force training with allied services. Next, he was assigned to a one-year tour as the Sergeant of the Guard as part of the Marine Corps Security Force Company at Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. He then returned to 10th Marines as a Battery Operations Chief, this time assigned to Battery I, 3d Battalion. He then deployed twice to the Mediterranean Sea with the Navy before being transferred to Battery E, 2d Battalion. There, he deployed to the Caribbean for a series of training exercises with allies. In 1984, Williams was hand-selected for instructor duty at the Marine Artillery School, Fort Sill, and traveled overseas to train allied artillerymen in Southwest Asia. Following the instructor assignment, he became a Drill Instructor assigned to MCRD San Diego. Williams received orders to 3d Battalion, 3rd Marines, Kaneohe Bay, to serve as the Platoon Sergeant for the battalion’s 81mm Mortar Platoon. In February 1990, he deployed with 3/3 for a 6-month unit deployment to Okinawa.  Upon returning to Hawaii in August, the unit was redeployed in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM and participated in combat actions during the liberation of Kuwait. Following a subsequent unit deployment to Okinawa, Williams received orders to the 11th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton to be the Operations Chief for 2d Battalion. He was selected for promotion to the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant and became one of only 5 Master Gunnery Sergeants in the Corps. To attain this rank in just 20 years was an exceptional accomplishment and clearly reflects his superior leadership abilities and technical acumen. He served as Operations Chief for 11th Marine Regiment. In 2003, he deployed with the regiment where he participated in combat operations during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Under his supervision, the Regiment processed more than 1,900 fire missions and fired 19,883 155mm rounds with tremendous accuracy and devastating effects in support of the 1st Marine Division's attack from northern Kuwait to Al Kut, Baghdad, and on to Tikrit. Williams retired from active duty in December 2003, having faithfully served for 27 years. He was hired as an artillery Subject Matter Expert and worked at the Marine Corps Tactical Software Systems Activity for ten years as the MCTSSA Fire Support Systems Technical Support Officer. After government service, Master Gunnery Sergeant Williams continues to be a highly respected pillar of the artillery community and routinely provides prescient guidance and wise advice.