Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

July 16th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Avalanche

For action performed on 29-30 January 1944, near the Mussolini Canal/province of Latina, Italy.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Warren Rand Williams, Jr. (ASN: 0-21250), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action near ****, Italy, on 6 February 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Williams, Commanding, led the First Battalion by night through a maze of irrigation canals and under enemy artillery fire to within striking distance of his objective. With the coming of dawn, enemy resistance and artillery fire increased in intensity and inflicted heavy casualties. Lieutenant Colonel Williams personally led his supporting tanks down a road interdicted by 20-mm. and artillery fire. While shells were bouncing off a "buttoned up" tank, he unhesitatingly climbed aboard, secured the crew's attention and directed their fire so accurately that the enemy guns were knocked out. Inspired by his gallant action and his constant presence with the forward elements, his battalion won their objectives and held them against bitter counterattacks. Lieutenant Colonel Williams' skillful and courageous leadership reflect the highest standards of the United States Airborne Forces.