James Elliott Williams
United States Navy, Vietnam
Born in Columbia, South Carolina on June 13, 1930, Boatswain's Mate First Class (PO1c) James Williams defined courage and heroism on the Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam, on October 31, 1966.
Williams was serving as Boat Captain and Patrol Officer aboard River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 accompanied by another patrol boat when the patrol was suddenly taken under fire by 2 enemy sampans. PO1c. Williams immediately ordered the fire returned, killing the crew of 1 enemy boat and causing the other sampan to take refuge in a nearby river inlet. Pursuing the fleeing sampan, the U.S. patrol encountered a heavy volume of enemy fire. In the course of a three hour battle, PO1c. Williams demonstrated unusual professional skill and indomitable courage leading the patrol in the destruction of 65 enemy boats and inflicted numerous casualties on enemy personnel.
His extraordinary heroism and exemplary fighting spirit in the face of grave risks inspired the efforts of his men to defeat a larger enemy force, and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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