Major General William J. McCaddin was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School in 1953. His first duty assignment was as Regimental Counterfire Platoon Leader during the Korean Conflict where he served with the 23d Infantry, 2d Division. | His subsequent duty assignments include:  United States Army Reserve, Staff Officer, Headquarters, 11th Field Artillery Battalion, Virginia National Guard; Battery Commander, Battery C, 11th Field Artillery Battalion; Senior Tactical Officer, Virginia National Guard Officer Candidate School; Assistant S-3 and Fire Support Coordination Officer, Headquarters, 29th Infantry Division Artillery; Assistant Commandant, Virginia National Guard Officer Candidate School; Assistant Adjutant General for the Army as Deputy Chief of Staff and Public Information Officer; Chief of  Staff, Headquarters Detachment; Military Support Plans Officer, Civil Authorities Section, Virginia Army National Guard; Adjutant General of Virginia. | His awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Virginia National Guard Legion of Merit, Army Legion of Merit.