William Jennings Wallace (August 6, 1895 – July 7, 1977) was a highly decorated aviation officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of lieutenant general. He is most noted for his service as commanding officer of MAG-22 at Midway and MAG-23 at Guadalcanal and the Air Defense Command during the Battle of Okinawa. Early years Wallace was born on August 6, 1895, in Church Hill, Maryland, and later attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where he graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in May 1917. He almost immediately enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 15, 1917, and was assigned to the Officer Candidates School at Marine Barracks Quantico, Virginia. Wallace graduated from the officer's school on June 15, 1918, and was commissioned second lieutenant on the same date. World War II In March 1941, Wallace was transferred to Oahu, Hawaii, where he was appointed executive officer of the Marine Aircraft Group 21 based at Ewa Field under the command of Colonel Claude A. Larkin. Wallace was present at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and participated in the defense of the Ewa Field. He remained in this capacity until March 1942, when he was transferred to the command of newly activated Marine Aircraft Group 22 at Midway Atoll. However, he was relieved by Colonel Ira L. Kimes in April 1942 and appointed commanding officer of the Marine Aircraft Group 23. He was also promoted to the rank of colonel on May 21, 1942. Wallace led MAG 23 during the Guadalcanal Campaign until 13 October 1942, when he was wounded by heavy-caliber naval shell during a Japanese bombardment of American positions. He distinguished himself while serving there and was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat "V". Wallace was evacuated to United States for recovery and he was pronounced fit for duty in February 1943. He was subsequently appointed chief of staff of the Marine Fleet Air, West Coast based at San Diego, California, under the command of Brigadier General Lewie G. Merritt. Wallace was promoted to the rank of brigadier general on December 5, 1943, and succeeded General Merritt as Commanding General Marine Fleet Air, West Coast in January 1944. In this capacity, he was responsible for activation of all Navy and Marine Corps aviation units on the West Coast. At the end of May 1944, Wallace was transferred to Naval Station