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United States Navy
Legion of Merit

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the LEGION OF MERIT to

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

for service as set for in the following

CITATION:

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Boat Captain of PBR 105 and as River Boat Patrol Officer serving with River Patrol Section 531 from June 1966 to February 1967 along the Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam. Petty Officer Williams conducted one hundred and forty-five combat patrols, fifty-seven of which came under hostile fire. As Patrol Officer, he made a significant contribution to the Operation Game Warden objective. Petty Officer Williams exemplary leadership, meticulous attention to detail, practical application of professional knowledge, vigorous pursuit of the enemy, humanitarian relationship with the indigenous population, and courage in the face of enemy fire were instrumental in the success of numerous missions. Petty Officer Williams directed his patrols in many fierce combat engagements with the Viet Cong afloat, was wounded on two occasions, and established the highest individual achievements: twenty-nine confirmed enemy killed in action, eight enemy captured, forty-three sampans and junks destroyed, nine sampans and junks captured, three weapons captured, and over one hundred highly classified enemy documents captured. Petty Officer Williams' aggressiveness in bold pursuit of the Viet Cong and his relentless fortitude in the face of enemy fire was a continual source of inspiration to the members of his crew, to all units which participated in support of PBR actions, and to all elements in Operation Game Warden. By his outstanding leadership, bravery in battle, and inspiring devotion to duty, Petty Officer Williams reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the President
(signed)

J. L. JOHNSON
Admiral, United States Navy
Chief of Naval Operations

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