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United States Navy
Silver Star

WASHINGTON

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

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

for service as set forth in the following

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 22 August 1966 in connection with operations against the Viet Cong while serving as Patrol Officer for River Patrol Boats (PBR's) 101 and 105 on the Mekong River in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early evening hours, Petty Officer Williams' patrol came under heavy enemy fire on four occasions from nearly one hundred Viet Cong gun emplacements on both banks of the river. He courageously directed suppressive fire against the enemy and neutralized a number of the automatic-weapons emplacements. During the height of the battle, Petty Officer Williams detected and intercepted a motorized sampan with two, high-ranking Viet Cong passengers. He directed PBR 101 to cover his south flank, while PBR 105 engaged the north bank and he salvaged the contents of the sampan. Although wounded in the face during the salvage operation, he courageously continued in complete command, directing suppressive fire while withdrawing with the sampan from the kill zone. Petty Officer Williams' aggressiveness and calmness under fire were an inspiration to all in his patrol. His determination and daring, despite overwhelming enemy fire, directly resulted in the capture of thirty-one Viet Cong top secret, twelve secret, and fifty-eight confidential documents. By his initiative and courageous actions, Petty Officer Williams upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,
(signed)

Charles F. Baird
Acting Secretary of the Navy

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