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US Navy Boatswain's Mate Chief James E. Williams
Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate First Class (PO1c.), River
Section 531, My Tho, RVN, Place and date: Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam, 31
October 1966. Entered service at: Columbia, S.C. Born: 13 June 1930, Rock Hill,
S.C.
United States Navy Boatswain's Mate Chief James E. Williams
Warriors Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PO1c. 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. PO1c. 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, PO1c. 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, PO1c. Williams deployed his patrol to await
the arrival of armed helicopters. In the course of his movement his 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, PO1c. Williams directed the attack on the
remaining enemy force. Now virtually dark, and although PO1c. 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 PO 1 c. 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 were in keeping with the finest warrior traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service. From: historical accounts & records
LINK TO BRAVEHORSE WARRIORS VOLUME TWO
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