William M.
Keys, an American Marine general and retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general, died on January 24, 2026. Born in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, on March 29, 1937, he was a combat veteran who received the Navy Cross for heroic actions during the Vietnam War, along with the Silver Star.
Keys served as Commander, Marine Corps Forces Atlantic before retiring in 1994. After leaving the Marine Corps, he joined Colt’s Manufacturing Company and served as president and chief executive from 1999 to 2012.
William Morgan Keys (March 29, 1937 – January 24, 2026) was a United States Marine lieutenant general. Keys was a combat veteran — receiving the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War, as well as the Silver Star. Keys served as Commander, Marine Corps Forces Atlantic before retirement in 1994.