And one from my era…

James E. (Bull) Williams… 20 year Navy man, enlisted at 16, retired on 20. Volunteered to go to Viet Nam with 19 years in, because he knew small boats and thought he might pass that along to his shipmates and keep a few more swabbies alive…

Well, he did pretty damn well. I am honored to say I knew him (after retirement) and he seldom talked about his exploits…


Here is a representation of his awards- And yes, that is BOTH the Medal of Honor AND the Navy Cross. Followed by the Silver Star (2 awards), the Legion of Merit (V for Valor), Navy and Marine Corps Medal (2 awards), Bronze Star (2 awards, V for Valor), Purple Heart (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards, V for Valor). And those were just the major ones…


According to reports, Bull was the most decorated Navy Enlisted man ever.

Here is his Congressional Medal of Honor Citation:


James E. Williams, PO1c

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 are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
He was honored with having DD95 an Aegis Destroyer named after him; sadly, James E Willams died in 1999 after careers both in the Navy and with the US Marshalls Service.

Comments

And one from my era… — 3 Comments

  1. Wow. That’s about all I can say. Amazing. The mental strength combined with courage–wow.