William Robinson was born on July 6, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana. He was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on May 17, 1980, through the Navy ROTC program at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, while he was attending the University of Indiana at South Bend. He immediately attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training with Class 110 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, from June to December 1980, followed by Basic Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in December 1980 and January 1981. Ensign Robinson's first assignment was with Underwater Demolition Team ELEVEN (UDT-11) at NAB Coronado from January 1981 until he was killed in a training accident aboard the submarine USS Grayback (LPSS-574) on January 16, 1982. He was buried at Riverview Cemetery in South Bend, Indiana.

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.