Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 29 September 1944. After pressing forward across fourteen hundred yards of open airfield under intense hostile fire, First Lieutenant Williams quickly assumed command of his company after the Commanding Officer was wounded and, despite numerous casualties in his group, pressed on in pursuit of the enemy. Although wounded twice in the same afternoon, he bravely worked his way forward of his own lines to rescue a wounded Marine and, despite another wound while leading his company against a strong hostile position, courageously continued to direct the attack until the Japanese strong point was neutralized. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 00436.