Dalton Michael Pierce was born in Brussels, Germany, Earth in 2354 to Charles Barrington Smythe Pierce and Elizabeth Shae (Bretton) Pierce. His father is the President of Pierce Imports Ltd which is based in London, England, Earth and his mother is Lt. Cmdr. Pierce, Appropriations Control Manager, Utopia Planetia Fleetyards, Mars and is with Starfleet.

In 2372 Dalton entered Starfleet Academy at the age of 18 and graduated with honors, third in his class.

His first assignment was in 2376 to the USS Excelsior, Stellar Cartography Division. Next he was assigned to the Astrogation Division in 2377. In 2377 he received the Captain's Merit Award for Exemplary Service. In 2378 he was assigned to the USS Endeavour as Chief Astrogator.

His next assignment was to the USS Alliance.