William Denton entered recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego June 2004.  During recruit training he was screened and accepted into the Presidential Support Program.  Following completion of recruit training Private First Class Denton reported to Infantry Training Battalion, SOI-West for training as an Infantry Rifleman.  Upon graduation, he reported to the Marine Security Force Training Company for the Basic Security Guard School. Once graduated in February 2005, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and then reported to Marine Barracks 8th and I, assigned to Guard Detachment.

Lance Corporal Denton received orders to the White House Communication Agency where he served as a sentry, Corporal of the Guard, and traveled to Vietnam and China in support of official presidential visits.  After a successful 18-month tour at the White House Communication Agency, he received the Presidential Support badge and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in June 2007.  Returning to Marine Barracks 8th and I, he served as the training NCO for Guard Company and as Sergeant of the Guard.  In April of 2009 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and separated from active duty in June 2009.

Sergeant Denton affiliated with the Marine Corps Reserve, assigned to Anti-Tank Training Company in February of 2010.  In August 2010, he reported to the Infantry Training Battalion SOI-East to obtain Anti-Tank Missileman Military Occupational Specialty.  Sergeant Denton was assigned to 1st Battalion 25th Marines, where he volunteered to mobilize in April of 2011 in support of OEF 11-1; during the deployment in Afghanistan, he served as squad leader and vehicle commander in the Mobile Assault Platoon.  

Upon his return in June 2012, Sergeant Denton was assigned to 3rd Battalion 24th Marines as section leader.  In July 2013, as a Sergeant, he attended the Reserve Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy in Quantico, VA.  Upon graduation, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant in August of 2013 and served as a section leader for 3rd Battalion 25th Marines.  In May 2016, Staff Sergeant Denton received a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security from American Military University.  In July 2016 Staff Sergeant Denton became Platoon Sergeant for all sections at Anti-Tank Training Company assigned to the 25th Marine Regiment.  

Staff Sergeant Denton attended Anti-Armor Leaders Course in July 2017.  In June 2019 Staff Sergeant Denton was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and was mobilized in support of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 20-1, assigned as a platoon sergeant for the Combined Anti-armor Team (CAAT) Platoon II.  During the UDP, Gunnery Sergeant Denton and his platoon participated in training aboard Okinawa, Camp Fuji, and the Korean peninsula.  In March of 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Denton assumed duties as Platoon Sergeant for amalgamated CAAT platoon of 75 Marines and Sailors.  In June 2020 Gunnery Sergeant Denton demobilized and served as the Chief Instructor for Anti-Tank Training Company.

In June of 2023 Gunnery Sergeant Denton was frocked for the rank of First Sergeant and was assigned to Support Company, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion in Albuquerque, NM in August 2023

First Sergeant Denton's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award, the Presidential Support Badge, and the recipient of numerous Certificate of Commendations, and Letters of Appreciation.

First Sergeant Denton is employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Supervisory Natural Resources Specialist.