Carlos N. Williams was born and raised in Beufort, SC.  He enlisted in April 1987 and underwent recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

Upon completion of boot camp, Private First Class Williams reported to Marine Corps Communication and Electronic School as a 2531 Field Radio Operator, aboard Twenty-Nine Palms, California. 

In November 1987, Private First Class Williams reported to 2d Marine Division for duty with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion 10th Marines as a Field Radio Operator. In January 1988, he was promoted to Lance Corporal. In January 1990, he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. During his tour with 1st Battalion 10th Marines, Corporal Williams deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa Japan.  In August 1990, Corporal Williams deployed with 2d Marine Division in support of Operation Dessert Shield and Dessert Storm.  Upon returning from Operation Dessert Storm, Corporal Williams reported to Stone Bay for 2512 Field Wireman Course, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  After completing Field Wireman Course, he was then sent to Wichita Falls Texas for instruction as a 2513 Construction Wireman. 

In March 1992, Corporal Williams completed MOS training, and was assigned to duty with 8th Communication Battalion, General Support Company as a construction wireman.  While serving with 8th Communication Battalion, Sergeant Williams deployed to Cuba in support of CJTF 160. 

In April 1997 Sergeant Williams reported to Drill Instructors School 2-97.  After completing Drill Instructor school, he was assigned to 2d Recruit Training Battalion.  After completing a successful tour as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Series Gunnery Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Williams reported Marine Corps Communication and Electronic School for instruction as a 0619 Wire Chief, aboard Twenty-Nine Palms, California.  

In November 2000, Staff Sergeant Williams completed Wire Chief School, and reported to 8th Communication Battalion where he served as Wire Supervisor, Bravo Company.  While serving with Bravo Company, Gunnery Sergeant Williams deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Gunnery Sergeant Williams went into Iraq to set up communications for the Fleet Hospital.

In December 2003, Gunnery Sergeant Williams was selected to First Sergeant and assigned to General Support Company, 8th Communication Battalion in January 2004 as Company First Sergeant.   After serving as General Support Company’s First Sergeant, he was transferred to Service Company, 8th Communication Battalion for duty as the Service Company First Sergeant.

In July 2006, First Sergeant Williams was then transferred to 3d Battalion 6th Marines where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Kilo Company.  While stationed there he was deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  First Sergeant Williams was later selected to the rank of Sergeant Major in 2008.

In January 2009, Sergeant Major Williams was then transferred to the 3d Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment in January 2009.

In July 2012, Sergeant Major Williams reported to Marine Air Craft Group 13, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) in July 12.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (x5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.