Harold David Williams

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harold David Williams (565749235), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade. Staff Sergeant Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 August 1969 while leading a Ranger Team north of Song Moa. Just after perpetrating an ambush on an enemy element, the team was set upon by the main hostile force. Sergeant Williams immediately called in gunships on the communists who quickly surrounded the small team. He initiated a grenade counterassault and repositioned his team to withstand the vicious attack. When a team member fell to enemy fire, Sergeant Williams advanced under a fusillade to render assistance to his comrade. Despite wounds received when an antitank round detonated nearby, he elected to remain with his men, directing their defense. When a brief lull developed in the exchange of fire, Sergeant Williams and one of his men moved outside the perimeter to recover a survival radio dropped by a friendly casualty. In the attempt both were wounded by small arms fire, yet Sergeant Williams again refused evacuation. During the subsequent battle, he succumbed to his wounds. Staff Sergeant Williams’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4389 (December 6, 1969)