Private First Class Scott was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On 25 February 1953, as a part of "Operation Charlie", Company F attacked enemy fortified position "Detroit" on Hill 110 in North Korea. Private First Class Scott was severely wounded by enemy artillery fire and left in a bomb crater for medical evacuation. He was never located and listed as Missing in Action. He was presumed dead on 26 February 1954. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

"Bill" Scott was recognized by his comrades for his bravery during combat and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.