Enlisted in the Texas National Guard in 1926. Commissioned a 1st Lieutenant of infantry in 1929. Served on active duty in Nov. 1940, and served as battalion and regimental commander with the 84th Infantry Division in the European Theater during World War II. Accepted a commission in the Regular Army and was serving on the Army General Staff when he resigned to enter private business. Appointed a Colonel in the Army Reserve in 1949, and rose to the rank of Major General in 1960. Served as Chief of Army Reserve from 1963 until his retirement in 1971.
From the description of The William J. Sutton papers, 1966-1970. (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 25595588