William W. Stickney

William Wallace Stickney (May 16, 1899 – March 1, 1980) was an American lawyer, SEC official and decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. He spent most of his Marine career as reserve officer, but was recalled to active duty during World War II and subsequently remained on active service as director of Marine Corps Reserve.

Early life

William Wallace Stickney was born on May 16, 1899, as the son of Henry Elmer Stickney. He attended Colby Academy in New London, New Hampshire, until November 1917, when he enlisted in the United States Navy as Seaman Second Class. Stickney served aboard submarine chasers and destroyers and took part in the several naval campaigns. He was decorated with Navy Good Conduct Medal for his enlisted service and discharged from the navy on June 24, 1919. Stickney then completed his education at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont, graduating in summer 1922. Lt. Colonel William W. Stickney cuts a Thanksgiving cake with a Japanese officer's sword at Guadalcanal, as hungry Leathernecks look on. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in September of that year and succeeded Edwin A. Pollock as commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines at the same time. Stickney led his battalion during the combats in October 1942 and repelled several Japanese attacks during counteroffensive. He led his unit for the rest of Guadalcanal campaign and embarked with his battalion for Australia in January 1943. For his service on Guadalcanal, Stickney was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his leadership.

He led his battalion to Pavuvu, Russell Islands for another rest and refit and subsequently left for United States in July 1944 after 26 months in Pacific. He then assumed duties as camp recreation and special service officer under Major General John Marston at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His main responsibilities were to establish, operate, or supervise the operation of rest camps and rest areas.

Later career

Stickney was ordered back to the Pacific area in July 1945 and appointed Special Service Officer on the staff of V Amphibious Corps under Major General Harry Schmidt. For his new command, Stickney was promoted to the rank of colonel in August of that year and spent following six months with occupation duties in Japan. He sailed with V Amphibious Corps to the United States at the end of January 1946 and following the deactivation at Camp Pendleton in February 1946, Stickney was transferred to the staff of Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.

Decorations

This is the ribbon bar of Major General William W. Stickney: