1st Marine Division

Sergeant Major Lester L. Williams is a native of Metter, Georgia.  Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps 28 December 1992, and attended Recruit Training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina.  After Completion of Recruit Training in March 1993 he received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he reported to the School of Infantry for Marine Combat Training, upon graduation he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class.  Upon completion of MCT, in May 1993 he reported to Motor Transportation Vehicle Operators Course at Camp Johnson, NC.

In June 1993 PFC Williams received orders and reported to 3rd Light Armored Infantry Battalion, which later was renamed 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.  During this time with 3rd LAR PFC Williams participated in several training and field exercises. PFC Williams was eventually promoted to Lance Corporal.  During this tour LCpl Williams performed the duties of Motor Vehicle Operator and explosive ordnance driver.

In October 1995 LCpl Williams received orders to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 MCAS, Iwakuni, Japan.  During his tour with MWSS 171 LCpl Williams who was later promoted to Corporal.  Corporal Williams participated in several training and field exercises to include Cobra Gold 1996. During this tour he performed the duties of Motor Vehicle Operator, Licensing Examiner for the entire Air Station and Squad Leader. 

In November 1996 Cpl Williams received orders and was transferred to First Service Support Group, 7th Motor Transportation Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA which was later renamed 1st Transportation Support Battalion.  During this time with 1st TSB he participated in several training and field exercises, and was later promoted to Sergeant.  During this tour Sergeant Williams performed the duties of Squad Leader, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, 1st FSSG Unit Movement Control Center Watch Chief, and 1st FSSG Road-Master.

  In March 2001 Sgt Williams received orders and reported to Marine Corps Combat Service Support School, Camp Johnson, NC as permanent personnel.  In October 2001 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.  While at Camp Johnson SSgt Williams served as the Motor Transport Platoon, Platoon Sergeant/Truck Master, Bn Billeting Chief, Bn Maintenance Management Chief, and the Bn MCMAP Instructor. 

In May 2004 SSgt Williams received orders to Marine Security Guard Battalion, Marine Security Guard School, Quantico, VA.  Upon completion of MSG School, SSgt Williams reported in August 2004 to United States Consulate Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the Detachment Commander.  During this tour the Detachment received Detachment of the year for Delta Company.  In January 2006 he was promoted and selected by the Battalion Commander and Battalion Sergeant Major to report to Marine Security Guard Bn to serve as an Instructor Advisor for MSG School.  During this time GySgt Williams served as the Defensive Tactics Instructor, Non-Lethal Weapons Instructor and mentored and advised several Marines on their duties as Detachment Commanders and Watch-Standers. 

In June 2007 GySgt Williams received orders to 1st Marine Logistics Group, Combat Logistics Regiment 1 where he was eventually assigned to Combat Logistic Battalion 5.  Upon arrival to CLB 5 GySgt Williams assumed the duties as Company Gunnery Sergeant for Motor Transport Company.  He deployed with CLB 5 in support of OIF 8.2.  During this time with CLB 5 he held the billets of CoGySgt and Co 1stSgt.  In December 2009 he was promoted (frocked) to First Sergeant and deployed as the Company 1stSgt for Transportation Support Company Bravo, CLB 5 in support of OEF 10.1.  Upon returning from deployment in 2010, 1stSgt Williams received PCA orders to H/S Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, where he was assigned as Company 1stSgt for Alpha and Bravo Company from February 2011 to January 2013.  During this time he attended the First Sergeant Seminar, E-8 Regional Seminar, and Joint Special Operation Forces Senior Enlisted Academy.  1stSgt Williams received orders to report to Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward, where he served as the Headquarters Company First Sergeant.  During his time he participated in many command exercises to include Eager Lion 2013 and 2014.  While with HQCo CE MarFor CentCom, 1^stSgt Williams attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security from American Military University and attended Marine Corps Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education.  In January 2015 he was promoted (frocked) to Sergeant Major and received orders to 1^st Marine Division, 11^th Marines to serve as the Battalion Sergeant Major for 5^th Battalion 11^th Marines.   

First Sergeant Williams’ personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/2 gold star, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/1 gold star, and the Good Conduct Medal w/1 bronze and 1 silver star.