Lawrence Williams was born on September 17, 1946, in Port Arthur, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on October 7, 1963, and went on active duty with the Navy beginning on June 6, 1964. Williams completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in August 1964, and then attended Hospital Corpsman School at Great Lakes from November 1964 to May 1965. His first assignment was as a Hospital Corpsman with the U.S. Naval Hospital in St. Albans, New York, from May to November 1965, and then aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) from November 1965 to May 1967. During this time he participated in combat operations aboard his ship in Vietnam from January to August 1966. Petty Officer Williams next served at the Naval Hospital at Bremerton, Washington, from May to July 1967, followed by service at the Armed Forces Entrance and Examination Station in Houston, Texas, from July to October 1967. He served with the Naval Hospital at San Diego, California, from October 1967 to September 1968, and then attended Navy Parachute training at Naval Air Technical Training Center Lakehurst, New Jersey, in September and October 1968. His next assignment was with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from October 1968 to April 1969, followed by service with Underwater Demolition Team THIRTEEN (UDT-13) at NAB Coronado, California, from April 1969 until he was killed in action in South Vietnam on September 18, 1970.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.