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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: James Elliott Williams ~ April 4, 2011
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

Posted on 04/03/2011 5:08:47 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

~ Hall of Heroes ~

James Elliott Williams

Info from here.

ArmyPatch small   NavySeal small   Air Force Seal   Marines Seal small   Coast Guard Seal small (better)

James Elliott Williams (November 13, 1930–October 13, 1999) was a sailor of the United States Navy during the 1950s and 1960s. He was the most highly decorated enlisted man in the history of the United States Navy.

Williams was born in Fort Mill, South Carolina and moved two months later with his parents to Darlington, South Carolina where he spent his early childhood and youth. He attended the local schools and graduated from St. John's high school. He was married to the former Elaine Weaver and they had five children and seven grandchildren. He is buried at the Florence National Cemetery in Florence, South Carolina.

In July 1947, at the age of 16, he entered the United States Navy where he served for twenty years, retiring in April 1967. During those twenty years he served in both the Korean and Vietnam War.

In Vietnam, the petty officer was assigned to the River Patrol Force whose mission was to intercept Viet Cong arms shipments on the waterways of South Vietnam's Mekong Delta. On October 31, 1966, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Williams, patrol commander for his boat, River Patrol Boat 105, and another PBR was searching for Viet Cong guerrillas operating in an isolated area of the Mekong Delta. Suddenly, Communist guerrillas manning two sampans opened fire on the Americans. When Williams and his men neutralized one boat crew, the other one escaped into a nearby canal. The PBR sailors gave chase and soon found themselves in a beehive of enemy activity as Viet Cong guerrillas opened up with rocket propelled grenades and small arms against the Americans from fortified river bank positions.

Against overwhelming odds, several times Williams led his PBRs against concentrations of enemy junks and sampans. He also called for support from the heavily armed UH-1B Huey helicopters of Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, the "Seawolves." When that help arrived, he kicked off another attack in the failing light, cleverly turning on his boats' searchlights to illuminate enemy forces and positions. As a result of the three-hour battle, the American naval force killed numerous Viet Cong guerrillas, destroyed over fifty vessels, and disrupted a major enemy logistic operation. BM1 Williams not only displayed great courage under fire, but a keen understanding of how his sailors, weapons, and equipment could be used to achieve victory.

On May 14, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson, in the name of Congress, presented Williams the Medal of Honor. His other awards include the Navy Cross, Silver Star (with one gold award star), the Legion of Merit with Valor Device, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal with gold award star, Bronze Star with Valor device and two gold award stars, Purple Heart with two gold award stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor device and gold award star, Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation with bronze service star, the Navy Good Conduct Medal with four bronze service stars, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars.

His foreign decorations include the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star and Palm, United Nations Korean Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and (not shown) the Korean War Service Medal.

Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate First Class (PO1c.), United States Navy, River Section 531, My Tho, RVN,
Place and date: Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam, October 31, 1966.
Entered service at: Columbia, S.C.
Born: June 13, 1930, Rock Hill, S.C.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. BM1 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. BM1 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 small-arms fire from enemy forces, at close range, occupying well-concealed positions along the river bank. Maneuvering through this fire, the patrol confronted a numerically superior enemy force aboard 2 enemy junks and 8 sampans augmented by heavy automatic weapons fire from ashore. In the savage battle that ensued, BM1 Williams, with utter disregard for his safety exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire to direct counter-fire and inspire the actions of his patrol. Recognizing the overwhelming strength of the enemy force, BM1 Williams deployed his patrol to await the arrival of armed helicopters. In the course of his movement he discovered an even larger concentration of enemy boats. Not waiting for the arrival of the armed helicopters, he displayed great initiative and boldly led the patrol through the intense enemy fire and damaged or destroyed 50 enemy sampans and 7 junks. This phase of the action completed, and with the arrival of the armed helicopters, BM1 Williams directed the attack on the remaining enemy force. Now virtually dark, and although BM1 Williams was aware that his boats would become even better targets, he ordered the patrol boats' search lights turned on to better illuminate the area and moved the patrol perilously close to shore to press the attack. Despite a waning supply of ammunition the patrol successfully engaged the enemy ashore and completed the rout of the enemy force. Under the leadership of BM1 Williams, who demonstrated unusual professional skill and indomitable courage throughout the 3 hour battle, the patrol accounted for the destruction or loss of 65 enemy boats and inflicted numerous casualties on the 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.

Williams retired from active service in 1967 and was employed with the Wackenhut Corporation. In 1969, he was appointed U. S. Marshal for the District of South Carolina where he served until May 1977. He was then transferred to Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia as an instructor and National Armorer. He was called back to South Carolina in July 1979 under court appointment as U. S. Marshal for South Carolina and served in that position until April 1980. He was then transferred to U. S. Marshal service Headquarters, Washington, D. C. as Programs Manager, Health and Safety and In-District Training Officer where he served until his retirement from the U. S. Marshals Service with the grade of GS-18.

USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) was named in his honor.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

 


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; military; troopsupport
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

Oh no....are you having to park across the street? Poor Moxie. How are you keeping doggie feetsies clean?


81 posted on 04/03/2011 9:54:19 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

I will be parking across the road for a few weeks, I think.
Have to catch the dogs at the door, right when they come in.


82 posted on 04/03/2011 10:01:48 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: SandRat

Lotta soldiers there! d:o)

“Coming Home” is just starting...and it is from Ft Campbell tonight. Gotta get my kleenex box. I usually cry thru most of it.


83 posted on 04/03/2011 10:12:26 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: SandRat; HiJinx

Ooooo...didn’t mean to start rumors, guys. Just hadn’t heard the story! :)


84 posted on 04/03/2011 10:14:31 PM PDT by luvie (Our Constitution was made....for a moral and religious people.~~John Adams)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

Eight busy paws should keep you busy. LOL!


85 posted on 04/03/2011 10:17:38 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: HiJinx

This sounds like a major life-change for your son and for your Piper. It seems that she is quite the little lady and, as always, very poised and mature in her response to the situation.

Nite, Jinxie! ((((hugs)))) to you and Nana!


86 posted on 04/03/2011 10:19:17 PM PDT by luvie (Our Constitution was made....for a moral and religious people.~~John Adams)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Oh, they keep me plenty busy!
LOL
Gotta love ‘em, though!


87 posted on 04/03/2011 10:24:11 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: HiJinx

I’ll bet it’s been a long month...but, onward we go!


88 posted on 04/03/2011 10:34:20 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; HiJinx; LUV W; All

*Yawn*
G’night Gang!
Love to all and hugs alla round!


89 posted on 04/03/2011 10:38:34 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: Seadog Bytes

Good evening, Seadog...((HUGS))...how was your weekend? Saturday we had sun, Sunday overcast, but all in the mid forties. Lots of melting.


90 posted on 04/03/2011 10:43:07 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

Good night and rest well, ms b...*HUGS*
Thanks for all you do for our troops.


91 posted on 04/03/2011 10:47:43 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
We are at 150% rainfall here, YTD, the sun came out two days ago, and
today the grass seemed to grow 2-3 inches between breakfast and lunch.

If this continues, I may have to fire up the 'big' mower, to get caught up...

           

92 posted on 04/03/2011 11:00:40 PM PDT by Seadog Bytes (OPM: The Liberal solution to every societal problem... Other People's Money.)
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To: Seadog Bytes

Now THAT mower should do the job, and quickly. LOL!


93 posted on 04/03/2011 11:26:36 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: The Mayor

Good Monday morning, Mayor...((HUGS))...thanks for today’s sustenance for body and soul.


94 posted on 04/04/2011 12:08:17 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Silentgypsy; StarCMC

Thanks, Silent...StarCMC is really good at bringing us great information about great heroes.

Have a great Monday...((HUGS))


95 posted on 04/04/2011 12:13:32 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: reg45

Welcome to the Canteen, reg45.

I am sure glad you were proven wrong too. d:o)


96 posted on 04/04/2011 12:15:08 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Colonel_Flagg

Good job!


97 posted on 04/04/2011 12:16:36 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: LUV W

Grass fires are not good. Have a good week, and hope they get that fire out quickly. ((HUGS))


98 posted on 04/04/2011 12:23:10 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: HiJinx; AzFlyBaby
Good job, Piper!!


99 posted on 04/04/2011 12:46:36 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: blackie; E.G.C.; Arrowhead1952; Allegra; Mrs.Nooseman; beachn4fun; Jet Jaguar; Jack Deth; ...



100 posted on 04/04/2011 12:51:21 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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