BEQ dedicated to esteemed Sailor

NS Mayport recognized the Navy's most decorated enlisted sailor, BMC James E. Williams, on March 22, by naming Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) Building 1394 in his honor. The ceremony was held at the Base Chapel.

Williams' family attended the ceremony, as well as Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Everett Pope. Retired Capt. Chester Smith was the guest speaker.

Williams (1930-1999) enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947 at the age of 16. During his 20-year career, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts before retiring in April 1967. He was the most highly decorated enlisted Sailor in the history of the U.S. Navy.

On May 14, 1968, the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, presented him the Medal of Honor.

His other awards include the Navy Cross, Silver Star (two awards), the Legion of Merit (with Combat V), the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (two awards), Bronze Star (three awards), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with Gold Star and Palm), Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (two awards), Purple Heart (three awards), Vietnam Service Medal (two awards), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal (two awards), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (two awards), Korean Presidential Unit Citation and Good Conduct Medal (five awards).

He retired from active service in 1967 and was employed with the Wackenhut Corporation as lieutenant in charge of security and later as chief investigator for South Carolina.

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 in Glynco, Ga. 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 in Washington, D.C. as programs manager, health and safety and in-district training officer where he served until his retirement from the U.S. marshal service with the grade of GS-18.