Williams enrolled at junior college, but with the United States entry into World War I in April 1917, he decided to enlist rather than continue with his studies.

He joined the Marine Corps in June 1917 and was sent as private for basic training at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California.

[1] However, instead of being sent to France to join the American Expeditionary Forces there, Williams sailed for Santo Domingo with the 2nd Provisional Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Joseph H. Pendleton.

He was decorated with the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his enlisted service and returned to the United States in November 1922.

Williams was subsequently appointed commanding officer of the Marine detachment aboard the battleship USS Mississippi in June 1937.

[2] After a few months of medical leave, Williams returned to China in January 1943 and was assigned to the American embassy in Chungking as naval observer.

[3] In early April 1945, Williams led his regiment to Okinawa as a part of 2nd Marine Division under Major General Thomas E. Watson.

[3] Upon the outbreak of the Korean War, Williams was transferred to the staff of 1st Marine Division under Major General Oliver P. Smith in June 1950.

Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Gregon A. Williams:[2] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.