He was in the infantry then went to “Recon” school at Camp Pendleton. In October of 1967 he shipped out to Vietnam and was assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, where he became a team leader. CPL Bryan was killed while leading a 7-man team in an operation against the North Vietnamese Army.

Born and raised in McKinney, graduated from McKinney High School in June 1966. Two weeks later Bill joined the Marine Corps.

For his heroic action that day, Bill was awarded the Navy Cross, the 2nd highest award the Marine Corps can give for bravery in action.