WILLIAM "Bill" MALONEY

Lieutenant General William "Bill" R. Maloney USMC (Retired), a highly decorated veteran of the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, passed away at age 89 in Charlotte. North Carolina on November 13, 2018. Born in Pittsburgh, PA to James and Elizabeth Dougherty Maloney, he was preceded in death six months earlier by his wife of 65 years, Virginia "Jinny" Fellows Maloney. His greatest loves were his two families - his relatives, whom he doted on, and his Marine Corps family, whom he led by example. Bill's family and friends will miss his generous spirit and genuine interest in others. Marines with whom Bill had the privilege of serving, remember him as an inspiring and resourceful leader; he put the welfare of his fellow Marines first. In 1951, Bill graduated from Brown University and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines. He served as a rifle platoon commander in Korea, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V". After Korea, he completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1955. He was assigned to VMA-333 flying AD-1 Skyraiders. Following service as Aviation Selection Officer in Boston, he underwent helicopter transition training and was assigned to VMO-2 in 1958 flying HOK-1 helicopters and OE-1s. The opportunity to command Marines is the highest distinction afforded Marine officers. Bill had the privilege of commanding at several levels- including a rifle platoon in combat, an aircraft squadron in combat, an air group and, uniquely, all three active duty aircraft wings in succession. In June of 1966, Bill became Commanding Officer, Marine Observation Squadron 6, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), in Vietnam. For his service in combat, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with gold star, and the Air Medal with Numeral 21. From July 1972 to May 1973, Bill served as Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW in the Western Pacific where he earned his second Legion of Merit. Bill served on a number of staffs including Assistant Secretary to the General Staff at Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), and Fleet Marine Officer, Sixth Fleet, in the Mediterranean. As a General Officer, he was Director of Information, HQMC; Assistant Wing Commander, 3d MAW; Commanding General, 5th Marine Amphibious Brigade; Commanding General, 3d, 1st, and 2d MAW in succession; Commanding General III Marine Amphibious Force; Director for Operations, Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii; and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies and Operations at HQMC. He retired as Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower at HQMC and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. A true warrior and scholar, Bill completed his M. A. degree from Stanford University in 1963 and served on the staff of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1963 to 1966. Additionally, in 1970, he received his M. S. degree from George Washington University and graduated from the National War College. After retiring from the Marine Corps in June 1985, Bill worked for the National Soft Drink Association (now American Beverage Association) until 1998. During his tenure, he was Vice President of Operations and President of InterBev, at that time one of the largest trade shows representing the beverage industry. After retirement from active duty, Bill continued his dedication to fellow Marines through his volunteer commitments. He also enjoyed reading, choir, traveling with his wife, Jinny, and sharing stories with fellow veterans. He and Jinny moved three years ago to Charlotte to be close to their only child and three grandchildren. He is survived by daughter, Lisa Crotty; son-in-law, Jonathan; grandchildren, Matthew, William and Lauren; as well as extended family members and close friends. Bill will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 14, 2018, at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203; or the Marine Corps Association Foundation, PO Box 1775, Quantico VA 22134. Robertson Funeral and Cremation Service is servinfg the family,www.throbertson.com