He spent most of his Marine career as reserve officer, but was recalled to active duty during World War II and subsequently remained on active service as director of Marine Corps Reserve. William Wallace Stickney was born on May 16, 1899, as the son of Henry Elmer Stickney. He attended Colby Academy in New London, New Hampshire, until November 1917, when he enlisted in the United States Navy as Seaman Second Class. Stickney served aboard submarine chasers and destroyers and took part in the several naval campaigns. He was decorated with Navy Good Conduct Medal for his enlisted service and discharged from the navy on June 24, 1919. Stickney then completed his education at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont, graduating in summer 1922. Stickney then attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, with graduation in 1926 and subsequently studied law at National University in Washington, D.C, where received Bachelor of Laws degree. He then pursued a career in the legal branch and worked as an assistant clerk of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia and additionally wrote columns for the Washington Times Herald. Stickney then received a law degree in December 1930 and practiced law before the Supreme court of the District of Columbia and also Supreme Court of the United States. Between years 1931 and 1935, Stickney was trial attorney and litigation counsel for the National Recovery Administration and then practiced private law office until 1940. Like many veterans of World War I, Stickney entered the Marine Corps Reserve and was commissioned second lieutenant on June 5, 1930. He was attached to the 5th Marine Reserve Battalion in Washington, D.C., and during next years, took part in many exercises with his unit. Stickney was promoted to the rank of captain in July 1935 and later took part in the 1938 Caribbean Maneuvers with 1st Marine Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Richard P. Williams. Stickney was later promoted to the rank of major in July 1939 and appointed executive officer of 5th Reserve Battalion. With the worsening situation in the world, Stickney was recalled to active duty in November 1940 and ordered for additional training with his battalion to the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. His unit subsequently sailed with 1st Marine Brigade for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Stickney served as executive officer of several battalions of the brigade. The 1st Brigade was redesignated 1st Marine Division in February 1941 and ordered back to the United States in April of that year. Stickney was then appointed executive officer of 1st Engineer Battalion within 1st Marine Division under Major General Holland Smith in May 1941 and took part in exercises at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.