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United States Navy
Bronze Star

WASHINGTON

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

JAMES E. WILLIAMS
BOATSWAIN'S MATE FIRST CLASS
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

Citation:

For heroic achievement on 1 July 1966 in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as Boat Captain of a River Patrol Boat (PBR) of River Squadron FIVE. When an enemy sampan was detected during the early morning darkness in enemy-dominated territory on the Mekong River in the Republic of Vietnam, Petty Officer Williams courageously pursued the sampan to within dangerously close proximity of the hostile shore. Upon being illuminated at close range, the enemy crew opened fire on the patrol boat. Displaying masterful seamanship and brilliant tactical use of his patrol boat's superior speed and maneuverability, Petty Officer Williams evaded the enemy fire, disrupted his aim and, taking the enemy under fire, killed five of the nine occupants, forcing the remainder to abandon their sampan in order to seek refuge ashore. Still within enemy gun range from the shore, he captured the enemy sampan along with documents of significant intelligence value. Petty Officer Williams' courage under fire, initiative, and seamanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the President,
(signed)
Charles F. Baird
Acting Secretary of the Navy

WASHINGTON

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

JAMES E. WILLIAMS
BOATSWAIN'S MATE FIRST CLASS
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

Citation:

For meritorious achievement in action on 23 July 1966 while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the communist insurgent forces, as the Boat Captain of River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 of Task Force 116. When an enemy sampan was detected during the late hours of the night in enemy-dominated territory on the Cua Tieu River in the Republic of Vietnam, Petty Officer Williams, under the direction of his patrol leader, courageously pursued the sampan to within dangerously close proximity of the enemy shore. Upon being illuminated at close range, the enemy opened fire on the patrol boat. Displaying masterful seamanship and tactical use of his boat's speed and maneuverability, Petty Officer Williams took the enemy under fire and killed six of the nine passengers, forcing the remainder to abandon their sampan in order to seek refuge ashore. He then directed his attention toward the capture of the evading enemy, and killed another of the enemy who reached the river bank. Still within hostile gun range from the shore, Petty Officer Williams captured the enemy sampan along with its cargo and documents which were of significant intelligence value. His courage under fire, initiative, and seamanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the President,
(signed)
Charles F. Baird
Acting Secretary of the Navy



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