William Morgan Keys

Lieutenant General William Morgan Keys, USMC (Retired), a highly decorated and revered leader, passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on March 29, 1937, in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, General Keys dedicated his life to distinguished service to his country and community. His upbringing, rooted in the values of hard work and patriotism, laid the foundation for a remarkable career that spanned 34 years in the United States Marine Corps.

A proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1960, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, General Keys was commissioned as a second lieutenant and embarked on an illustrious military journey. He completed The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, and was designated an infantry officer, quickly rising through the ranks. His early career included serving as a rifle platoon leader and later as a company commander with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, during two tours in Vietnam.

General Keys' valor in combat was legendary, earning him the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during Operation Prairie II in 1967, where he led his company against numerically superior North Vietnamese forces, personally engaging the enemy and orchestrating a decisive victory. He was also awarded the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star with Combat “V,” and numerous other decorations for his gallantry and leadership. His strategic acumen was further demonstrated during Operation Desert Storm, where he commanded the 2nd Marine Division, leading a successful assault across the Kuwaiti border.

After retiring from active duty as Commander, Marine Corps Forces Atlantic, in 1994, General Keys continued his legacy of leadership in the private sector, serving as President and CEO of Colt Defense LLC and Colt's Manufacturing Company. He remained active in military education, philanthropy, and veteran affairs, and was inducted as a Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate in 2008. Lieutenant General William M. Keys is remembered as a Marine's Marine—an inspirational leader, a devoted patriot, and a man of unwavering loyalty to his country, his Corps, and his Marines. He spent his later years on his farm in Virginia.