William R. Williams

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William R. Williams, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the United States Military Advisory Group, Korea, deployed as Advisor to the 3d Battalion, 23rd Regiment, Republic of Korea Army. Captain Williams distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yongdok, Korea, on 31 July 1950. On that date, the attack of the 3d Battalion had been stopped by a numerically superior enemy force and the battalion was disorganized and started falling back. At this critical time, Captain Williams, acting promptly and decisively, moved forward under heavy enemy fire, effected the rapid reorganization of the unit, and reestablished the lines. Calling for artillery fire, Captain Williams found that no observer was available. He then took a radio to the exposed crest of Hill 151, where he directed artillery fire on the enemy positions. Soon after establishing his observation post, Captain Williams was discovered by the enemy, who placed incessant artillery fire on his position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Williams remained at his position and continued to adjust fire in an artillery duel lasting for a period of one hour and fifteen minutes. During this time, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy sniper and artillery fire while moving about for better observation. Through his efforts, he succeeded in eliminating the enemy forward observation post and in silencing the enemy artillery fire. As the attack resumed, Captain Williams then discovered an enemy group holding up the advance of a forward company of the Battalion. Because of the mountainous terrain, artillery fire could be placed on this strongpoint only by shifting battery positions. Realizing that immediate action was necessary, Captain Williams secured a .50 caliber machine-gun, and with two ammunition bearers, returned to Hill 151. Although observed and under intense small-arms and mortar fire, Captain Williams continued for forty-five minutes to attack the enemy group by machine-gun fire until it was dispersed and the Republic of Korea company was able to secure its objective.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 175 (November 17, 1950)