Seth Williams (USMC)

Seth Williams (January 19, 1880 - July 29, 1963) was an officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Major general, who served at Headquarters Marine Corps as Quartermaster General of the United States Marine Corps during the years 1937-1944.

Born January 19, 1880, in Foxboro, MA, Williams arrived at Norwich University with the class on 1903 in the fall of 1899 and rose through the ranks his four years on the Hill, eventually leading the Corps of Cadets his senior year as the Cadet Major. Commissioned as a 2ndLt in the Marine Corps in June of 1903, Williams held multiple assignments as a junior officer, eventually serving in Quartermaster assignments at both the brigade and post level leading to his assignment as the Officer in Charge – Purchasing Division, Office of the Quartermaster of the Marine Corps.

Later career
On 1 December 1937, Williams has been transferred to Washington, D.C. and relieved Major general Hugh L. Matthews as Quartermaster General of the United States Marine Corps at Headquarters Marine Corps. He subsequently supervised the construction of the new training centers such as Camp Pendelton or Camp Lejeune and was also responsible for the transportation of troops to combat zones, and the development of supply and distribution depots in the South and Central Pacific areas. While in this capacity, he was promoted to the rank of Major general in April 1942.

Williams served in this capacity throughout the World War II and finally has been relieved by Major general William P. T. Hill on February 1, 1944. For his service as Quartermaster of the Marine Corps, he was decorated with Legion of Merit by the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox.

Seth Williams Boulevard on Camp Lejune is named in his honor.

Following his retirement, Williams resided at Army and Navy Club Building in Washington, D.C. and died there on July 29, 1963. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery together with his wife Mary Baily Williams (1880-1958).

Decorations
Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Seth Williams: