General Michael J. Williams

General Michael J. Williams, 28th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, died on December 6, 2025, at Asbury Solomons in Calvert County, Maryland. He was 83. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Williams; his son, Matthew; his daughter-in-law, Kim; his two grandsons, Evan and Aiden; and his twin brothers, Alan and David Williams.

General Williams was born on July 12, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was raised on C.S. Forester's novels about the seafaring Horatio Hornblower, shaping his ambitions for adventure and danger. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1967, commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly before attending The Basic School for Marine Corps officers, he married Barbara Silva, a childhood friend since second grade. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on September 7, 1968, and upon completion of Naval Flight Training at Pensacola, Florida, he was designated a Naval Aviator in February 1969. After earning his Naval Aviator designation, he began a distinguished 35-year career in aviation, operational leadership, strategic planning, and senior service stewardship.

Promoted to Captain on February 1, 1971, Captain Williams served operational tours in both the continental United States and the Republic of Vietnam, gaining experience that shaped him into a combat-ready aviator and an emerging leader. In 1973, he was assigned to the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduating in June 1974, he joined the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on Okinawa, Japan, where he served in a range of operational billets essential to Marine aviation in the Pacific.

Returning to the United States in the summer of 1975, Captain Williams reported to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) at Quantico, Virginia. There, he was designated a Presidential Helicopter Pilot, serving in high-trust roles in support of the President of the United States. His professionalism and character earned him increasing responsibility within the squadron. He was promoted to Major on August 1, 1977, and, in July 1978, selected to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, from which he graduated in June 1979.

Following school, Major Williams returned to the U.S. Naval Academy to serve as a Company Officer and later as Executive Assistant to the Commandant of Midshipmen. In July 1982, he transferred to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, serving first as Executive Officer of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 16 and later as Commanding Officer of Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 301. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on October 1, 1982.

From June 1984 to June 1985, Lieutenant Colonel Williams attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 3d Marine Division on Okinawa, where he served as the Assistant Division G-3. Returning to Washington, D.C. in the summer of 1986, he assumed duties at Headquarters Marine Corps as the Marine Corps Program Development Officer, and later as Head of the Program Development Branch within the Requirements and Program Division. He was promoted to Colonel on October 1, 1988.

In July 1989, Colonel Williams transferred to the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Cherry Point, first serving as the Wing Inspector and then as Executive Officer of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26). He assumed command of MAG-26 on July 16, 1990, deploying the unit to Saudi Arabia for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Under his leadership, MAG-26 executed complex aviation missions in support of coalition forces before returning to the United States in May 1991.

In November 1991, he was assigned to the Joint Staff as Vice Director for Operational Plans and Interoperability, J-7, and Vice Director for Military Education. He was selected for promotion to Brigadier General in December 1991 and advanced to that grade on April 1,1992.

Brigadier General Williams assumed command of 2d Force Service Support Group (2d FSSG) on July 16, 1993. On June 8, 1994, he was appointed Commanding General, Joint Task Force 160, leading a major humanitarian relief mission for approximately 44,000 Haitian and Cuban migrants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. When asked why Brigadier General Williams was chosen, then Major General Wilkerson, Director of Marine Corps Plans, stated that "I could not find a better guy to be in that kind of crucible. Mike [Brigadier General Williams] has a heart of gold, and he's a leader." Brigadier General Williams was often seen walking around the encampment, handing candy to children. Brigadier General Williams resumed command of 2d FSSG on October 31, 1994. Following his time with Task Force 160, he was promoted to Major General in March 1995 and, in July, appointed Director of the Marine Corps Staff in Washington, D.C.

On July 23, 1996, Major General Williams assumed command of Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), overseeing modernization efforts across the service. He was promoted to Lieutenant General on August 5, 1998, and subsequently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs and Resources at Headquarters Marine Corps.

Lieutenant General Williams became the 28th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on September 8, 2000, and was advanced to General on November 1, 2000. One year later, the attacks of September 11, 2001, thrust the nation into a new era of conflict. Serving as the Corps' second-in-command during those pivotal days, General Williams helped lead the Marine Corps through the immediate transition to a wartime footing. His steady guidance shaped the Corps' early posture, readiness, and operational response as Marines prepared for the opening stages of the Global War on Terror. In the uncertainty that followed 9/11, his calm leadership, deep experience, and unshakeable devotion to Marines provided continuity and confidence across the force. He served as Assistant Commandant until September 9, 2002, and retired from active duty in November 2002.

General Williams' awards and decorations, listed in order of precedence, include the Superior Service Medal with gold star; Legion of Merit with gold star; Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with Strike/Flight Numeral "25" and bronze star; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star and Combat "V"; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation with bronze star; National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars; Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars; Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze stars; Humanitarian Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three bronze stars; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm); Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal First Class Color with Palm); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia); Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait); Naval Aviator Insignia; Rifle Expert Badge second award; and Pistol Expert Badge 11th award.

Beyond the uniform, General Williams was a devoted husband to his wife. She accompanied him throughout decades of service, from squadron deployments to senior leadership positions across the Marine Corps. Her steadfast support-both publicly and privately-was integral to his success. They had one son, Matthew, and together built a life grounded in loyalty, service, and community.

After retirement, General Williams continued to contribute to national defense and professional military education. His counsel was sought by Marine Corps leaders, academic institutions, and defense organizations. He and Barbara made their home in LaPlata, Maryland, where they supported Marine Corps causes, charitable initiatives, and veteran communities.

General Williams leaves behind a legacy of steady leadership, quiet professionalism, and unwavering devotion to the Marines he led. His life's work strengthened the Marine Corps in peace and war, shaped generations of aviators and commanders, and embodied the highest standards of service.

Burial with full military honors will occur at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico on December 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Military Family Association in tribute to General Williams' lifelong commitment to Marines and their families.

General Michael J. Williams devoted his life to service, to the Corps, and to all those he was privileged to lead. His example endures. Semper Fidelis.