Vero - Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Raymond G. Davis

2025-11-02T06:19:37Z

2600:1700:C3A0:6D3F:B92E:F3E5:6113:DE77: /* Military awards */

{{short description|US Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient}}
{{Use American English|date = December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = December 2019}}
{{Infobox military person
| name = Raymond G. Davis
| image = Raymond G. Davis.jpg
| caption = General Ray Davis, U.S. Marine Corps. Medal of Honor recipient, Asst. Commandant 1971–1972.
| nickname = Ray
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1915|1|13}}
| birth_place = [[Fitzgerald, Georgia]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2003|9|3|1915|1|13}}
| death_place = [[Conyers, Georgia]], U.S.
| placeofburial = Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens College Park, Georgia
| allegiance = United States
| branch = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| serviceyears = 1938–1972
| rank = [[General (United States)|General]]
| commands = 1st Special Weapons Battalion [[1st Battalion 1st Marines|1st Battalion, 1st Marines]] [[1st Battalion 7th Marines|1st Battalion, 7th Marines]] [[SEATO Expeditionary Brigade, EXLIGTAS]] [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|3rd Marine Division]] [[Marine Corps Combat Development Command]]
| unit =
| battles = [[World War II]]
*[[Battle of Guadalcanal]]
*[[Battle of Cape Gloucester]]
*[[Battle of Peleliu]]
[[Korean War]]
*[[Battle of Inchon]]
*[[Battle of Chosin Reservoir]]
[[Vietnam War]]
*[[Operation Dewey Canyon]]
| awards = [[Medal of Honor]] [[Navy Cross]] [[Navy Distinguished Service Medal]] (2) [[Silver Star]] (2) [[Legion of Merit]] (2) with [[Combat "V"]] [[Bronze Star Medal]] with [[Combat "V"]] [[Purple Heart Medal]] [[Vietnamese Gallantry Cross]] (3)
| laterwork =
}}
'''Raymond Gilbert Davis''' (January 13, 1915 – September 3, 2003) was a [[United States Marine Corps]] [[General (United States)|four-star-general]] who had served in [[World War II]], the [[Korean War]], and the [[Vietnam War]]. Davis was decorated several times, he was awarded the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]] during World War II and the [[Medal of Honor]] during the Korean War. While serving as the [[Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps]], he retired with over 33 years service in the Marine Corps on March 31, 1972.

General Davis had a close association with Marine Corps legend, [[Chesty Puller]], having served with General Puller on [[Battle of Guadalcanal|Guadalcanal]] during World War II and in Korea during the Korean War. A middle school was built and named the "[[General Ray Davis Middle School]]", in 2006, in [[Conyers, Georgia]], near [[Stockbridge, Georgia|Stockbridge]], where he had resided.

==Early years==
[[File:General Raymond G. Davis Sr. plaque.jpg|left|thumb|Plaque at [[Georgia Tech]] honoring Davis]]
General Davis was born on January 13, 1915, in [[Fitzgerald, Georgia]], and graduated in 1933 from Atlanta Technical High School, Atlanta, Georgia. He then entered the [[Georgia Institute of Technology]], graduating in 1938 with a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in chemical engineering.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gendavisfund.gatech.edu/bio.html|title=General Davis: Biography|publisher=General Ray Davis Memorial Endowment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902054259/http://www.gendavisfund.gatech.edu/bio.html|archive-date=2006-09-02}}</ref> While in college he was a member of the [[Reserve Officers Training Corps|ROTC]] unit. After graduation, he resigned his commission in the U. S. Army Infantry Reserve to accept appointment as a [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] second lieutenant on June 27, 1938.

==Marine Corps career==

===1939–1942===
In May 1939, Second Lieutenant Davis completed the Marine Officers' [[Basic School]] at the [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard|Philadelphia Navy Yard]], and began a year of service with the Marine detachment on board the {{USS|Portland|CA-33|6}} in the [[Asiatic-Pacific Theater|Pacific]]. He returned to shore duty in July 1940 for weapons and artillery instruction at [[Marine Corps Base Quantico|Quantico]], Virginia, and Aberdeen, Maryland. Completing the training in February 1941, he was assigned to the 1st Antiaircraft Machine Gun Battery, [[1st Marine Division (United States)|1st Marine Division]] at [[Guantanamo Bay, Cuba]]. He returned to the United States with the unit in April, and the following month was appointed battery executive officer, serving in that capacity at [[Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island|Parris Island]], South Carolina, and Quantico. He was promoted to first lieutenant in August 1941. That September, he moved with the battery to the Marine Barracks, New River (later [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune|Camp Lejeune]]), North Carolina. Upon his promotion to captain in February 1942, he was named battery commander.

===World War II===
During World War II, Captain Davis participated in the [[Battle of Guadalcanal|Guadalcanal]]-[[Tulagi]] landings, the capture and defense of Guadalcanal, the Eastern New Guinea and [[Operation Cartwheel|Cape Gloucester]] campaigns, and the [[Battle of Peleliu|Peleliu operation]].

Beginning in June 1942, he embarked with his unit for the [[Asiatic-Pacific Theater|Pacific area]], landing at Guadalcanal two months later. After that campaign, he was appointed executive officer of the 1st Special Weapons Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He was promoted to major on February 28, 1943. In October of that year, he took over command of the battalion and served in that capacity at New Guinea and Cape Gloucester. In April 1944, while on [[Cape Gloucester (Papua New Guinea)|Cape Gloucester]], he was named commanding officer, [[1st Battalion 1st Marines|1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment]], [[1st Marine Division (United States)|1st Marine Division]].

Davis' heroism while commanding the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines at [[Peleliu]] in September 1944 earned him the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]] and the [[Purple Heart Medal]]. During the first hour of the Peleliu landing he was wounded. He refused evacuation, and on one occasion, due to heavy Marine casualties and point-blank Japanese cannon fire, the Japanese broke through, he personally rallied and led his men in fighting to re-establish defensive positions. In October 1944, he returned to [[Pavuvu]] and was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

===1944–1950===
Returning to the United States in November 1944, he was assigned to Quantico as Tactical Inspector, Marine Corps Schools. He was named Chief of the Infantry Section, Marine Air-Infantry School, Quantico, in May 1945, and served in that post for two years before returning to the Pacific area in July 1947 to serve with the [[1st Provisional Marine Brigade]] on [[Guam]]. He was the 1st Brigade's assistant chief of staff, G-3 (Operations and Training), until August 1948, and from then until May 1949, was assistant chief of staff, G-4 (Logistics). Upon his return from Guam in May 1949, he was named Inspector-Instructor of the 9th Marine Corps Reserve Infantry Battalion in Chicago, Illinois. He served there until August 1950 when he embarked for [[South Korea]].

===Korean War===
[[File:LTC Ray Davis 1952.jpg|thumb|Lieutenant Colonel Davis in 1952]]
In South Korea, Davis commanded the [[1st Battalion 7th Marines]], from August to December 1950. During this time one of his men described him as, "...from Georgia and soft spoken. No gruff, no bluff. Never talked down to you and made you feel comfortable in his presence."{{sfn|Russ|1999|pp=12}}

During the 1st Marine Division's fight to break out of the [[Chosin Reservoir]] area in [[North Korea]] during the [[Battle of the Chosin Reservoir]] on December 1, 1950, Davis led his battalion in and through fierce firefights with the Chinese [[People's Volunteer Army]] from Yudam-ni to Hagru-ri. Davis led in front of his men all the way... marching his battalion at night over mountains in a driving snowstorm, he rescued and saved Fox Company, [[2nd Battalion 7th Marines]] from annihilation at the Toktong Pass. This action also opened the blocked mountain pass to Hagaru-ri allowing two trapped Marine regiments to escape and link up with the rest of the 1st Division at Hagaru-ri.{{sfn|Russ|1999|pp=284-302}} He was recommended for the [[Medal of Honor]]. The medal was presented to Davis by President [[Harry S. Truman]] in a [[White House]] ceremony on November 24, 1952.

Davis was also awarded two [[Silver Star Medal]]s for gallantry in action, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire while leading and encouraging his men in the face of strong enemy opposition. He received the [[Legion of Merit]] with [[Combat "V"]] for exceptionally meritorious conduct and professional skill in welding the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines into a highly effective combat team. Later, as executive officer of the 7th Marines, from December 1950 to June 1951, he was awarded the [[Bronze Star Medal]] with Combat "V" for his part in rebuilding the 7th Regiment in South Korea after the Chosin Reservoir campaign. He returned to the United States in June 1951 and was assigned to [[Headquarters Marine Corps]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]

===1952–1959===
Davis served with Headquarters Marine Corps at the [[The Pentagon|Pentagon]] until June 1954. He served in the Operations Subsection, G-3, Division of Plans and Policies, until February 1952, when he took charge of the subsection. In April 1953, he became head of the Operations and Training Branch, G-3 Division. While serving in this capacity, he was promoted to full [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] in October 1953.

The following July, he attended the Special Weapons Employment Course, Fleet Training Center, Norfolk, Virginia, under instruction. In September 1954, he entered the Senior Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. Upon completing the course in June 1955, he served consecutively as assistant director and, later, director, of the Senior School. In October 1957, he was again transferred to Washington, D. C., and served there as Assistant G-2, Headquarters Marine Corps, until August 1959.

===1960–1966===
In June 1960, Davis completed the course at the [[National War College]] in Washington, D.C. Assigned next to Headquarters, [[United States European Command]], in [[Paris, France]], he served from July 1960 through June 1963, as chief, Analysis Branch, J-2, Staff of the Commander in Chief, Europe. On July 1, 1963, he was promoted to [[Brigadier general (United States)|Brigadier general]] while en route to the United States.

Davis' next assignment was in the Far East, where he served as assistant division commander, [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|3rd Marine Division]], [[Fleet Marine Force]], on [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]], from October 1963 to November 1964. During this period, he also performed additional duty as commanding general, [[Southeast Asia Treaty Organization|SEATO]] Expeditionary Brigade, EXLIGTAS, in the [[Philippines]], during June 1964; and as commanding general, [[9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (United States)|9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade]], in China Sea Contingency Operations, from August 2, to October 16, 1964.

In December 1964, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. He served as assistant director of personnel until March 1965, then served as assistant chief of staff, G-1, until March 1968. For his service in the latter capacity, he was awarded a second Legion of Merit medal. He was promoted to [[Major general (United States)|Major general]] in November 1966.

===Vietnam War===
[[File:GeneralRDavis USMC.jpg|thumb|180px|General Davis after his promotion to full general]]
In March 1968, he was sent to the [[South Vietnam]] and served until May 1968 as the Deputy Commanding General of the [[XXIV Corps (United States)|Provisional Corps]]. He then became commanding general, 3rd Marine Division until April 1969. When he took command of the division, he ordered Marine units to move out of their combat bases and engage the enemy. He had noted that the manning of the bases and the defensive posture they had developed was contrary to their normally aggressive style of fighting. As part of this change in tactics, he would order [[Operation Dewey Canyon]] in early 1969 to engage the [[People's Army of Vietnam]] in the [[A Shau Valley]]. During this battle, his son Miles Davis, a rifle company platoon commander in K Company, [[3rd Battalion, 9th Marines]], was [[wounded in action]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.1stbattalion9thmarinesfirebase.net/documents/Story%20-%20Operation%20Dewey%20Canyon.pdf
|title= Operation Dewey Canyon
|first=C. Douglas
|last=Sterner
|year=2001
|publisher=Wesley Fox
|access-date=2006-01-06}} (PDF file, posted on the official website of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network, Inc.)</ref> For his service as commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division from May 22, 1968, until April 14, 1969, he was awarded the [[Navy Distinguished Service Medal]]. The South Vietnam government awarded him several decorations including three [[Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross]]es.

====1969–1972====
In May 1969, Davis was assigned duty as deputy for education with additional duty as director, Education Center, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia. After his promotion to [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant general]] on July 1, 1970, he was reassigned duty as commanding general, [[Marine Corps Combat Development Command|Marine Corps Development and Education Command]].

On February 23, 1971, President [[Richard Nixon|Richard M. Nixon]] nominated Davis for appointment to the grade of general and assignment to the position of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. His nomination was confirmed by the [[United States Senate|Senate]] and he received his fourth star on March 12, 1971. [[General (United States)|General]] Davis served as [[Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps]] until he retired from active duty on March 31, 1972.

==Post-Marine Corps career==

In 2003, General Davis (Ret.) participated in an independent investigative commission headed by retired Admiral [[Thomas H. Moorer]].<ref>https://www.usslibertyveterans.org/files/documentcenter/USS%20Liberty%20Document%20Center/usslibertydocumentcenter.org/doc/upload/Independent_Commission_Israeli_Attack_USS_Liberty.pdf{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> This commission investigated the details of the controversial 1967 [[USS Liberty incident|USS ''Liberty'' incident]] and determined, among other things, that the state of Israel had deliberately attacked an American ship in international waters, killing 34 U.S. sailors in the process and perpetrating an act of war. Also participating in the commission was Rear Admiral Merlin Staring and former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia [[James E. Akins]]. The so-called Moorer Commission submitted their findings to the United States government along with a request for a proper Congressional investigation of the attack. No investigation has been conducted.

==Military awards==
Davis' decorations and awards include:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/Whos_Who/Davis_RG.htm |title=Who's Who in Marine Corps History-Gen Raymond G. Davis |website=www.tecom.usmc.mil |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615094253/http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/Whos_Who/Davis_RG.htm |archive-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=|type=oak|ribbon=Medal of Honor ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=|type=oak|ribbon=Navy Cross ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Navy_Distinguished_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Silver_Star_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|other_device=nv|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=|type=oak|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon with "V" device, 3rd award.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=|type=oak|ribbon=Purple Heart ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=|type=award-star|ribbon=Combat_Action_Ribbon,_2nd_award.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=service-star|ribbon=United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|other_device=|ribbon=Navy Unit Commendation ribbon, 2nd award.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|other_device=|ribbon=American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=American Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=5|type=service-star|ribbon=Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=World War II Victory Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon, 2nd award.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=4|type=service-star|ribbon=Korean_Service_Medal_-_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=VPD National Order of Vietnam - Officer BAR.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=numeral|ribbon=VPD National Order of Vietnam - Knight BAR.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=numeral|ribbon=Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order Ribbon-Second Class.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=2|type=oak|ribbon=Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with palm.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnam Public Health Service Medal ribbon-First Class.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=Presidential_Unit_Citation_(Korea).svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Vietnam_gallantry_cross_unit_award-3d.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Republic of Korea War Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|[[Medal of Honor]]
|[[Navy Cross]]
|[[Navy Distinguished Service Medal]] w/ [[5/16 inch star|{{frac|5|16}}" Gold Star]]
|-
|[[Silver Star]] w/ one {{frac|5|16}}" Gold Star
|[[Legion of Merit]] w/ [[Combat "V"]] and {{frac|5|16|}}" Gold Star
|[[Bronze Star]] w/ Combat "V"
|-
|[[Purple Heart]]
|[[Combat Action Ribbon]] w/ one {{frac|5|16}}" Gold Star
||[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation]] w/ three [[service star|{{frac|3|16}}" Bronze Stars]]
|-
|[[Navy Unit Commendation]] w/ one {{frac|3|16}}" Bronze Star
|[[American Defense Service Medal]] w/ [[medal bar|Fleet Clasp]] ({{frac|3|16}}" Bronze Star)
|[[American Campaign Medal]]
|-
|[[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal]] w/ one {{frac|3|16}}" Silver Star
|[[World War II Victory Medal]]
|[[National Defense Service Medal]] w/ one {{frac|3|16}}" Bronze Star
|-
|[[Korean Service Medal]] w/ four {{frac|3|16}}" Bronze Stars
|[[Vietnam Service Medal]] w/ three {{frac|3|16}}" Bronze Stars
|[[National Order of Vietnam]] Officer
|-
|[[National Order of Vietnam]] Knight
|[[Vietnam Distinguished Service Order|Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order]] 2nd Class
|[[Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross]] w/ three Palms
|-
|Vietnam Public Health Service Medal, 1st class
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)|Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation]] w/ service star
|[[Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation]] w/ Palm and Frame
|-
|[[United Nations Korea Medal]]
|[[Vietnam Campaign Medal]]
|[[Korean War Service Medal|Republic of Korea War Service Medal]]
|}

===Medal of Honor citation===
Rank and organization: [[Lieutenant Colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]], U.S. Marine Corps Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Vicinity Hagaru-ri, Korea, 1 through 4 December 1950. Entered service at: Atlanta, Ga. Born: January 13, 1915, Fitzgerald, Ga.

'''Citation:'''
:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Although keenly aware that the operation involved breaking through a surrounding enemy and advancing 8 miles along primitive icy trails in the bitter cold with every passage disputed by a savage and determined foe, Lt. Col. Davis boldly led his Battalion into the attack in a daring attempt to relieve a beleaguered rifle company and to seize, hold, and defend a vital mountain pass controlling the only route available for two Marine Regiments in danger of being cut off by numerically superior hostile forces during their re-deployment to the port of Hungnam. When the Battalion immediately encountered strong opposition from entrenched enemy forces commanding high ground in the path of the advance, he promptly spearheaded his unit in a fierce attack up the steep, ice-covered slopes in the face of withering fire and, personally leading the assault groups in a hand-to-hand encounter, drove the hostile troops from their positions, rested his men, and reconnoitered the area under enemy fire to determine the best route for continuing the mission. Always in the thick of the fighting Lt. Col. Davis led his Battalion over 3 successive ridges in the deep snow in continuous attacks against the enemy and, constantly inspiring and encouraging his men throughout the night, brought his unit to a point within 1,500 yards of the surrounded rifle company by daybreak. Although knocked to the ground when a shell fragment struck his helmet and 2 bullets pierced his clothing, he arose and fought his way forward at the head of his men until he reached the isolated Marines. On the following morning, he bravely led his Battalion in securing the vital mountain pass from a strongly entrenched and numerically superior hostile force, carrying all his wounded with him, including 22 litter cases and numerous ambulatory patients. Despite repeated savage and heavy assaults by the enemy, he stubbornly held the vital terrain until the two Regiments of the Division had deployed through the pass and, on the morning of 4 December, led his Battalion into Hagaru-ri intact. By his superb leadership, outstanding courage, and brilliant tactical ability, Lt. Col. Davis was directly instrumental in saving the beleaguered rifle company from complete annihilation and enabled the two Marine Regiments to escape possible destruction. His valiant devotion to duty and unyielding fighting spirit in the face of almost insurmountable odds enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

===Navy Cross citation===
'''Citation:'''
:The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Raymond Gilbert Davis (0–5831), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands from 15 to September 22, 1944. Although wounded during the first hour of landing, Major Davis refused evacuation to remain with his Battalion's assault elements in many hazardous missions. On one occasion, when large gaps occurred in our front lines as the result of heavy casualties, and his right flank company was disorganized by point-blank enemy cannon fire following a successful nine hundred yard penetration through heavily defended lines, he rallied and personally led combined troops into these gaps to establish contact and maintain hasty defensive positions for the remainder of the night. Despite many casualties from close-range sniper fire, he remained in the vicinity of the front lines, coordinating artillery and Naval gunfire support with such effect that several determined counterattacks were repulsed. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

===First Silver Star citation===
'''Citation:'''

<blockquote>The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Gilbert Davis (MCSN: 0-5831), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in Korea during the period 2 November to 8 November 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Davis was serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division on 3 November 1950. At about 0130, 3 November the enemy conducted a fierce, coordinated night attack against the First Battalion, Seventh Marines. Lieutenant Colonel Davis moved from point to point on the line wherever there was danger of the enemy breaking through, continually exposing himself to heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire without personal regard for his own safety. His display of leadership, initiative and courage was a constant inspiration to the officers and men about him. It was through his actions that the lines held and the enemy was repulsed. During the daylight hours of 3 November Lieutenant Colonel Davis maneuvered elements of his command in such a manner as to route the enemy. Once again Lieutenant Colonel Davis' display of leadership and courage acted as an inspiration to the officers and men of his command. It was a direct result of Lieutenant Colonel Davis' actions that the First Battalion was able to break through and continue the attack in its zone of action.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/2628#52917 |title=Raymond Gilbert Davis |work=[[Military Times]]}}</ref></blockquote>

===Second Silver Star citation===
'''Citation:'''

<blockquote>The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Gilbert Davis (MCSN: 0-5831), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 September 1950. Assigned the task of seizing two hills located at the southern end of the Seoul-Uijongbu corridor, Lieutenant Colonel Davis boldly led his battalion against a well-entrenched enemy force in the face of hostile small-arms, automatic-weapons and mortar fire. Keenly aware that the unit had been assembled and organized only six weeks previously and that this was its first attack, he advanced with the assault elements and, moving from platoon to platoon to encourage the men, inspired his battalion to rout the enemy and capture its objective quickly. By his marked courage, brilliant leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Davis upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

==Other honors==
* In 2003, General Davis was awarded the [[James A. Van Fleet Award]] by the [[Korea Society]].
* The building that houses the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (the Marine Corps Development and Education Command until 1987) at [[Marine Corps Base Quantico]] is named the "General Raymond G. Davis Center".
*In 2007, [[Ray Davis Middle]] school celebrated its inaugural year.

==Death==
General Davis died of a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]] at the age of 88 on September 3, 2003, in Conyers, Georgia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/05/us/gen-raymond-davis-war-hero-dies-at-88.html|title = Gen. Raymond Davis, War Hero, Dies at 88|newspaper = The New York Times|date = September 5, 2003|last1 = Goldstein|first1 = Richard}}</ref> Interment was at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in College Park, Georgia. His Funeral Detail and Honor Guard were personally commanded by General [[Michael W. Hagee]], 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps.

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:USMC-16844.jpg|Lt. Gen. James Mattis, commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and Willa Knox Davis cut the ribbion during the General Raymond G. Davis Center dedication ceremony.
File:Raymond G Davis and wife 2000.JPEG|General Davis and his wife at the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War in 2000.
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography}}
*[[List of Medal of Honor recipients]]
*[[List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==

=== Books ===
*{{Cite book
|last = Fehrenbach
|first = T.R.
|author-link = T. R. Fehrenbach
|year = 1963
|title = This Kind of War
|publisher = Brassey's
|location = Dulles, Virginia
|isbn = 1-57488-259-7}}
*{{Cite book
|last = Russ
|first = Martin
|year = 1999
|title = Breakout" – The Chosin Reservoir Campaign, Korea, 1950.
|publisher = Penguin Books
|isbn = 0-14-029259-4}}
*{{Cite book
|last = Owen
|first = Joseph R.
|year = 1996
|title = Colder Than Hell – A Marine Rifle Company at the Chosin Reservoir
|publisher = Presidio Press
|isbn = 978-0-8041-1697-8}}

===Web===
*{{Cite web
|url=https://slsp.manpower.usmc.mil/GOSA/Biographies/rptBiography.asp?PERSON_ID=796&PERSON_TYPE=General
|title=Official Marine Corps for Raymond G. Davis
|date=April 1972
|publisher=Headquarters Marine Corps, United States Marine Corps
|access-date=January 13, 2009
|archive-date=February 7, 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207061543/https://slsp.manpower.usmc.mil/gosa/biographies/rptBiography.asp?PERSON_ID=796&PERSON_TYPE=General
|url-status=dead
}}

*{{Cite web
|url=http://www.usmc.mil/moh.nsf/000003c919889c0385255f980058f5b6/000003c919889c0385255fa2007524c1?OpenDocument
|title=LtCol. Raymond G. Davis, Medal of Honor, 1950, 1/7/1, Korea (Medal of Honor citation)
|archive-date=2007-02-20
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220130638/http://www.usmc.mil/moh.nsf/000003c919889c0385255f980058f5b6/000003c919889c0385255fa2007524c1?OpenDocument
|work=Marines Awarded the Medal of Honor
|publisher=History Division, United States Marine Corps}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite news |access-date=May 14, 2006 |url=http://www.whistle.gatech.edu/archives/03/jun/02/davis.html |title=Saluting a Hero (General Ray Davis) |work=The Whistle: Faculty/Staff News |publisher=Georgia Institute of Technology |date=June 2, 2003 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305112033/http://www.whistle.gatech.edu/archives/03/jun/02/davis.html |url-status=dead }}
*{{cite book |last1=Camp |first1=Richard D. |title=Three War Marine Hero: General Raymond G. Davis |date=2020 |publisher=Casemate |location=Havertown, Pennsylvania |isbn=9781612009391}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Ray Davis (general)}}

*{{Cite web
|url = http://www.gendavisfund.gatech.edu/bio.html
|title = General Davis:Biography
|publisher = Georgia Tech
|access-date = 2006-07-28
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060902054259/http://www.gendavisfund.gatech.edu/bio.html
|archive-date = 2006-09-02
}}

{{CMC}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Davis, Ray}}
[[Category:1915 births]]
[[Category:2003 deaths]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps personnel of the Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps personnel of the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients]]
[[Category:Korean War recipients of the Medal of Honor]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the National Order of Vietnam|4 Davis, Ray]]
[[Category:American recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Order (Vietnam)]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps generals]]
[[Category:Assistant Commandants of the United States Marine Corps]]
[[Category:Georgia Tech alumni]]
[[Category:People from Fitzgerald, Georgia]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Georgia (U.S. state)]]

James E. Williams

2025-11-02T04:43:13Z

2600:1700:C3A0:6D3F:B92E:F3E5:6113:DE77: /* Military awards */

{{Short description|U.S. Navy Vietnam War hero and U.S. Marshal (1930–1999)}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox military person
|name= James Elliott Williams
|image= James Elliot Williams.JPG
|image_size=
|alt=
|caption=
|nickname= "Willie"
|birth_date= {{Birth date|1930|06|13}}
|birth_place= [[Fort Mill, South Carolina]], US
|death_date= {{Death date and age|1999|10|13|1930|11|13}}
|death_place= [[Florence, South Carolina]], US
|placeofburial= [[Florence National Cemetery]]
|allegiance= United States
|branch= [[United States Navy]]
|serviceyears= 1947–1967
|rank= Honorary [[Chief Petty Officer|chief]] [[Boatswain's Mate (United States Navy)|boatswain's mate]]
|servicenumber=
|unit= River Squadron Five
|commands=
|battles= [[Korean War]] [[Vietnam War]]
* [[Operation Game Warden]]
|awards= [[Medal of Honor]] [[Navy Cross]] [[Silver Star]] (2) [[Legion of Merit]] [[Navy and Marine Corps Medal]] (2) [[Bronze Star Medal]] (3) [[Purple Heart]] (3) [[Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal]] (2)
|relations=
|laterwork= [[United States Marshals Service|U.S. Marshal]]
}}
'''James Elliott Williams''' (June 13, 1930 – October 13, 1999) was an [[Americans|American]] law enforcement officer and honorary [[United States Navy]] [[Chief Petty Officer|chief]] [[Boatswain's Mate (United States Navy)|boatswain's mate]] who was awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] during the [[Vietnam War]]. Boatswain's Mate [[Petty officer, first class|First Class]] Williams was one of 32 [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] to receive the medal and is considered to be the most decorated [[enlisted man]] in the history of the United States Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92146 |title=America's Navy, ''Native Heritage, Navy Pride'', 11/25/ 2015. Retreieved May 8, 2017. |access-date=May 8, 2017 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715123406/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92146 }}</ref> Williams completed his career as the [[United States Marshal]] for [[South Carolina]].

==Early life==
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 claimed to be of [[Cherokee descent]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://navylog.navymemorial.org/williams-james-12 | title=WILLIAMS-JAMES | the United States Navy Memorial }}</ref>

==Navy service==
Williams enlisted in the [[United States Navy]] on August 8, 1947, at the age of 17, and completed basic training at [[Naval Training Center San Diego]]. He served for almost twenty years, retiring on April 26, 1967, as a boatswain's mate first class. During those years, he served in both the [[Korean War]] and [[Vietnam War]]. On May 14, 1968, Williams was presented the Medal of Honor by President [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] during the dedication ceremony of the "Hall of Heroes" in [[the Pentagon]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=28856%20 |title=The American president Project, Lyndon B. Johnson |access-date=2017-05-10 |archive-date=2018-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923123840/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=28856 }}</ref> In 1977, he received the honorary title of chief boatswain's mate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92146 |title=America's Navy, ''Native Heritage, Navy Pride'', 11/25/ 2015. Retreieved May 8, 2017. |access-date=May 8, 2017 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715123406/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92146 }}</ref>

During the Korean War, Williams served aboard the destroyer {{USS|Douglas H. Fox|DD-779|6}} from November 1950 to June 1952. He served off the coast of [[Korea]]. where he was detached off the destroyer to take raiding parties into [[North Korea]] on small boats from March to June 1952.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/19/us/j-e-williams-68-dies-won-the-medal-of-honor.html Goldstein, Richard. October 19, 1999. The New York Times]</ref>

Petty Officer Williams served aboard {{USS|Little Rock|CLG-4|6}} from June 1960 through April 1963, reenlisting aboard ''Little Rock'' in April 1962.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Famous Crew Who Served On The U.S.S. Little Rock|url=https://www.usslittlerock.org/famous_crew.html#williams|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=USS Little Rock Association}}</ref>

In April 1966, with the enlisted rank of [[petty officer, first class|petty officer first class]] and the rating of [[Boatswain's Mate (US Navy)|boatswain's mate 1st class]] (BM1), Williams was assigned in May to the [[Brown-water navy#Vietnam War|River Patrol Force]], River Squadron Five, in command of [[Patrol Boat, River|River Patrol Boat]] ''105'' (PBR-105).<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/19/us/j-e-williams-68-dies-won-the-medal-of-honor.html Goldstein, Richard. October 19, 1999. The New York Times]</ref> The force's mission was to intercept [[Viet Cong]] and [[People's Army of Vietnam]] arms shipments, supplies, and personnel on the waterways of [[South Vietnam]]'s [[Mekong Delta]] and to keep innocent boat traffic on the river and canals safe.<ref>[http://www.blackpony.org/pressrel.html Navy News Release, ''River Patrol Force'', April 10. 1969]</ref>

On October 31, 1966, Williams was commanding PBR ''105'' alongside another PBR searching for Viet Cong [[guerrilla warfare|guerrillas]] operating in an isolated area of the Mekong Delta. Suddenly, Viet Cong manning two [[sampan]]s opened fire on the Americans. While Williams and his men neutralized one sampan, the other one escaped into a nearby canal. The PBRs gave chase and soon found themselves in a beehive of enemy activity as the VC opened fire on them with [[rocket propelled grenade]]s and small arms from fortified river bank positions.

Williams repeatedly led the PBRs against concentrations of enemy [[junk (ship)|junks]] and sampans. He also called for support from two heavily armed [[UH-1 Iroquois|UH-1B Huey]] helicopters of [[HA(L)-3]]. When that help arrived, he kicked off another attack in the failing light. As a result of the three-hour battle, the U.S. naval force killed 1,000 Viet Cong guerrillas, destroyed over fifty vessels, and disrupted a major enemy logistic operation. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

==Post-war==
After retiring from the Navy in April 1967,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cnsl.spear.navy.mil/jamesewilliams/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201080851/http://www.cnsl.spear.navy.mil/jamesewilliams/ | archive-date=2005-12-01 | title=Uss James e. Williams "Lead from the Front" }}</ref> Williams worked for the [[Wackenhut]] Corporation.

In 1969, he was appointed [[United States Marshals Service|U.S. Marshal]] for the District of South Carolina, where he served until May 1977. He was then transferred to the [[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. Marshals 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-1811-15.

==Personal life==
In 1949, Williams married the former Elaine Weaver and they had five children (daughter, Debbie, sons, James E. "Jr.", Stephen Michael, Charles E., and daughter, Gail) and seven grandchildren.

==Death==
Williams died on October 13, 1999; he was buried at the [[Florence National Cemetery]] in [[Florence, South Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92146 |title=America's Navy, ''Native Heritage, Navy Pride'', 11/25/ 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2017. |access-date=May 8, 2017 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715123406/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92146 }}</ref>

==Military awards==
Williams' decorations and awards include:
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|colspan="4"|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=NavyBoatE.jpg|width=130}}
|-
|colspan="4"|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Medal_of_Honor_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Navy Cross ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Silver Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|other_device=nv|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Navy and Marine Corps Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon with "V" device, 3rd award.svg|width=106}}[[File:1 golden star.svg|22px]][[File:1 golden star.svg|22px]]
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Purple Heart ribbon.svg|106px}}[[File:1 golden star.svg|22px]][[File:1 golden star.svg|22px]]
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Navy_and_Marine_Corps_Commendation_Medal_ribbon_with_"V"_device,_3rd_award.svg|width=106px}}[[File:1 golden star.svg|22px]]
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Combat_Action_Ribbon,_2nd_award.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=U.S. Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=United States Navy Good Conduct Medal ribbon, 5th award.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=China Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon, 2nd award.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Korean_Service_Medal_-_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d.svg|18px]][[File:Bronze-service-star-3d.svg|18px]]
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Service Ribbon (With Two Bronze Stars).jpg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, with palm.svg|width=106}}[[File:1 golden star.svg|22px]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Presidential_Unit_Citation_(Korea).svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnam_gallantry_cross_unit_award-3d.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=VNCivilActionsRibbon-2.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Republic of Korea War Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|colspan="4"|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=CRAFTMASTER.png|width=130}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|colspan="6"|Enlisted [[Small Craft Insignia]]
|-
|colspan="3"|[[Medal of Honor]]
|- align="center"
|[[Navy Cross]]
|[[Silver Star]] w/ [[5/16 inch star|{{frac|5|16}}" Gold Star]]
|[[Legion of Merit]] w/ [[Combat "V"]]
|- align="center"
|[[Navy and Marine Corps Medal]] w/ {{frac|5|16}}" Gold Star
|[[Bronze Star Medal]] w/ Combat "V" and two {{frac|5|16}}" Gold Stars
|[[Purple Heart]] w/ two {{frac|5|16}}" Gold Stars
|- align="center"
|[[Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal]] w/ Combat "V" and {{frac|5|16}}" Gold Star
|[[Combat Action Ribbon|Navy Combat Action Ribbon]] w/ {{frac|5|16}}" Gold Star
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|Navy Presidential Unit Citation]] w/ {{frac|3|16}}" [[service star|bronze star]]
|- align="center"
|[[Navy Unit Commendation]]
|[[Navy Good Conduct Medal]] w/ [[Service star|{{frac|3|16}}" silver star]]
|[[Navy Expeditionary Medal]]
|- align="center"
|[[China Service Medal]]
|[[National Defense Service Medal]] w/ {{frac|3|16}}" bronze star
|[[Korean Service Medal]] w/ two {{frac|3|16}}" bronze stars
|- align="center"
|[[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal]]
|[[Vietnam Service Medal]] w/ two {{frac|3|16}}" bronze stars
|[[Vietnam Cross of Gallantry|Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross]] w/ Gold Star and Palm
|- align="center"
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)|Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation]]
|[[Vietnam Gallantry Cross|Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross)]] w/ Palm
|[[Vietnam Civil Actions Medal|Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions)]] w/ Palm
|- align="center"
|[[United Nations Korea Medal]]
|[[Vietnam Campaign Medal|Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1960– device]]
|[[Korean War Service Medal]]
|-
|colspan="6"|Craftmaster badge
|}
* 4 gold [[service stripe]]s.

===Medal of Honor citation===

[[File:Moh right.gif|40px|left|]]

{{blockquote|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.

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.

|S| Lyndon B. Johnson}}

===Navy Cross citation===

[[File:Navy_Cross.png|40px|left|]]

{{blockquote|The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain's Mate First Class James Elliott Williams (NSN: 9908934), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 15 January 1967 while serving with River Section 531, River Squadron FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), and friendly foreign forces during combat operations against communist insurgent (Viet Cong) forces on the Mekong River in the Republic of Vietnam. As Patrol Officer of a combat River Patrol Boat (PBR) patrol, Petty Officer Williams interdicted a major enemy supply movement across the Nam Thon branch of the Mekong River. He directed his units to the suspected crossing area, and was immediately taken under intense hostile fire from fortified positions and from along the river banks. After coordinating Vietnamese artillery support and U. S. Air Force air strikes, Petty Officer Williams courageously led his three PBR's back into the hazardous river to investigate and destroy the enemy sampans and supplies. Blistering fire was again unleashed upon his forces. Frequently exposing himself to enemy fire, he directed his units in silencing several automatic-weapons positions, and directed one PBR to investigate several sampans which could be seen, while the other PBR's provided cover fire. Almost immediately, the enemy renewed their fire in an effort to force the PBR's away from the sampans. Petty Officer Williams ordered the destruction of the sampan and the extraction of all his units. During the fierce firefight following the temporary immobilization of one of the units, Petty Officer Williams was wounded. Despite his painful injuries, he was able to lead his patrol back through the heavy enemy fire. His patrol had successfully interdicted a crossing attempt of three heavy-weapons companies totaling nearly four hundred men, had accounted for sixteen enemy killed in action, twenty wounded, the destruction of nine enemy sampans and junks, seven enemy structures, and 2400 pounds of enemy rice. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, his unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and his utmost devotion to duty, Petty Officer Williams upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/1552#15903 |title=James Elliott Williams |website=[[Military Times]]}}</ref>}}

===Silver Star citation===

[[File:Silver_Star_medal.png|40px|left]]

<blockquote>The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain's Mate First Class James Elliott Williams (NSN: 9908934), United States Navy, 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Williams - Recipient |website=Military Times |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/1552#12382 |access-date=29 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref></blockquote>

===Navy and Marine Corps Medal citation===

[[File:Navmarine.png|40px|left]]

<blockquote>The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain's Mate First Class James Elliott Williams (NSN: 9908934), United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 9 January 1967, while serving with River Patrol Section 531 and friendly foreign forces on the Mekong River in the Republic of Vietnam. As the Patrol Officer and Boat Captain of River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 on combat patrol near My Tho when the dredge JAMAICA BAY was mined, Petty Officer Williams immediately directed his boat toward the rapidly sinking dredge and supervised his crew members in picking up two survivors from the dredge and five exhausted survivors attempting to swim in the rapidly ebbing tide current. After administering first aid, Petty Officer Williams maneuvered his boat to the sinking dredge where a metallic tapping was heard coming from within the hull. Fully aware of the dangers involved, he unhesitatingly plunged into the dark, debris-clogged river to effect the rescue of the trapped man. The man was guided to a hatch sixty feet away and four feet beneath the waterline where Petty Officer Williams repeatedly dived under the water to clear the hatch which was blocked by two pipes firmly wedged into place. Upon learning that little air remained in the heavily listing dredge, Petty Officer Williams called for a line and bent it around the pipes so that a tug could pull the obstructions free. He quickly swam through the hatch with his crewmember, located the victim, and pulled him back through the hatch to the surface, thus saving the man's life. Petty Officer Williams' courageous, competent, and efficient actions and forceful leadership in directing the rescue effort, and in particular, in effecting the rescue of an elderly man trapped within the sinking dredge, at great risk to his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Williams - Recipient |website=Military Times |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/1552#11688 |access-date=29 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref></blockquote>

==Other honors==
[[File:USS James E. Williams;Wms6.jpg|thumb|right|USS ''James E. Williams'']]
* Navy Special Boat Unit 20 headquarters at [[Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story]], [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]], was dedicated the BM1 James E. Williams Building in 1997.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
* Navy guided missile destroyer {{USS|James E. Williams|DDG-95}} was named and [[Ceremonial ship launching|christened]] in his honor on June 28, 2003, at [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.navsource.net/archives/05/pix1/05019505.jpg |title=Christening pamphlet, USS James E. Williams |access-date=2017-05-08}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography}}
* [[List of Medal of Honor recipients]]
* [[List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War#W|List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* {{Cite web|access-date = 2007-10-07|url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-m-z.html|title = James E. Williams, Medal of Honor recipient|work = Medal of Honor recipients, Vietnam (M–Z)|publisher = [[United States Army Center of Military History]]|date = June 8, 2009|archive-date = 2008-04-24|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080424094845/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-m-z.html}}
* {{Cite web |access-date=September 29, 2010 |url=http://www.cnsl.spear.navy.mil/jamesewilliams/ |title=James E. Williams, USS James E. Williams website, US Navy. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201080851/http://www.cnsl.spear.navy.mil/jamesewilliams/ |archive-date=December 1, 2005}}
* {{Cite web |access-date=September 29, 2010 |url=http://www.cnsl.spear.navy.mil/jamesewilliams/ |title=USS ''Williams'' website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201080851/http://www.cnsl.spear.navy.mil/jamesewilliams/ |archive-date=December 1, 2005 }}
* {{Cite web |access-date=September 29, 2010 |url=http://www.pbr105.com/index1.html |title=Williams Memorial Web Site |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525150359/http://www.pbr105.com/index1.html |archive-date=May 25, 2011 }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, James E.}}
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:1999 deaths]]
[[Category:Law enforcement officials from South Carolina]]
[[Category:United States Navy non-commissioned officers]]
[[Category:United States Navy personnel of the Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Navy personnel of the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Vietnam War recipients of the Medal of Honor]]
[[Category:United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal]]
[[Category:American recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)]]
[[Category:United States Marshals]]
[[Category:People from Fort Mill, South Carolina]]
[[Category:American people who self-identify as being of Cherokee descent]]