Billie F. Williams

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Billie F. Williams, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Williams distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, on 16 October 1953. On that date, Sergeant Williams was participating in an assault on a strategic enemy-held hill. When all of the officers in his company became casualties in the intense fighting, Sergeant Williams assumed command. Continually exposing himself to the heavy concentration of enemy fire, Sergeant Williams led the men in a spirited charge which was greatly responsible for the ultimate withdrawal of the enemy. When the objective had been secured, Sergeant Williams immediately set up an effective defense perimeter and deployed his force in the most advantageous positions to meet the anticipated counter-attacks. During the ensuing action Sergeant Williams was informed that an enemy force was organizing to the rear of his position. Rallying his men, Sergeant Williams led them in an assault on the enemy element and, through his leadership and skillful fire direction, the threat of an attack from the rear was neutralized.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 658 (July 16, 1953)