His cousin, James D. Waller was also Marine officer, who served during World War II and retired as brigadier general.

After his return to the United States, he was assigned to the Marine barracks in Norfolk, Virginia, and promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in 1911.

Waller Jr. received a temporary promotion to the rank of major and was assigned to the 1st Machine Gun Battalion as a company commander.

[2] He remained in command of the 6th Machine Gun Battalion and was decorated with the Silver Star for heroism in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

[3] Waller was recalled to active duty in June 1941 as officer in charge of target practice at Marine Corps Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Almost one year later, Waller was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and appointed director of Marine Corps personnel.

He remained in this capacity until September 1944, when he was transferred to the Pacific Theater, where he was appointed commanding general of the Marine defense on Johnston and Midway Atolls.