Tom Williams' lifelong commitment to the Marine Corps was inspired by his father, Lt. Col. Carl Williams. Growing up as a military dependent, Tom traveled widely, gaining early exposure to Roman history, archaeology, and the French, Arabic, and Japanese languages and cultures. After settling in Dooly County, Georgia, Tom attended North Georgia College and later graduated as Platoon Honor Man from Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, setting a 52-second obstacle course record and ranking in the top 10% at The Basic School. His final active-duty post was as G3 for the first Marine Component HQ at EUCOM in Germany (1993-96). Post-retirement, he served as a contract trainer and mentor-six years in Saudi Arabia and five in Afghanistan. His detailed diaries became a foundation for his writing.

Now retired, Tom lives on a 75-acre cattle property in Queensland, Australia, where he raises livestock, keeps bees, and runs a growing Bed and Breakfast. His Heart of a Marine book series shares his military journey and life lessons. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the prestigious Order of Saint Maurice by the National Association of Infantry and the Chief of Infantry.