Commander William H. Dawson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958. His first assignment was to the Sixth Fleet flagship, the USS DES MOINES (CA-134), where he served as the Assistant Navigator and then as First Division Officer. His second tour was as Operations Officer onboard the USS SUFFOLK COUNTY (LST 1173) from 1960-1962.

Coming ashore, Commander Dawson served as an instructor in the Mathematics Department, USNA, from 1962-1965. He acquired a Master of Arts degree in Personnel Administration from the George Washington University during this period.

Commander Dawson returned to sea as Weapons Officer on the USS R. L. WILSON (DD-847) from 1965-1967. This was followed by assignment to the Chief of Naval Personnel (Office Education Branch). In 1969 he reported to the USS GEARING (DD-710) to serve as Executive Officer. This was followed by a tour as Staff Operations Officer for Commander Destroyer Squadron Thirty Six from 1970-1972. He then reported to Chief of Naval Operations (OP099) for duty from 1972 to August 1975.

Commander Dawson is married to the former Constance Ann Glassburn of Wilmington, Delaware, and they have three children: Robert, Patrick, and Douglas.