Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Maxie R. Williams (0-7844), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Landing on the beach in the face of intense enemy fire, Captain Williams immediately organized the surviving remnants of his an other companies and, moving forward to the center of the airport, held that position during the night. Leading an attack across the airport the following day, he captured a section of the south coast and held this ground despite a heavy enemy counterattack. Consistently exposing himself to hostile fire, he commanded the east flank of the Battalion in an attack which penetrated approximately two hundred and fifty yards through a heavily defended strong point on the south coast, thereby neutralizing the major part of the Japanese defenses south of the airfield. By his gallant leadership and fighting spirit, Captain Williams contributed materially to the success of our operations, and his devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.