Dominican Campaign Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award on April 27, 1917, for his courageous actions as a 1st Lieutenant with the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Force on November 29, 1916, at the Battle of San Francisco de Macoris during the U.S. occupation of the Dominican Republic. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1907 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1921. He also served during World War I and was awarded the Navy Cross. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "In action against hostile forces at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, 29 November 1916. With only a dozen men available, First Lieutenant Williams rushed the gate of the fortress. With eight of his party wounded by rifle fire of the defenders, he pressed on with four remaining men, threw himself against the door just as it was being closed by the Dominicans and forced an entry. Despite a narrow escape from death at the hands of a rifleman, he and his men disposed of the guards and within a few minutes had gained control of the fort and the hundred prisoners confined there."
Dominican Campaign Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award on April 27, 1917, for his courageous actions as a 1st Lieutenant with the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Force on November 29, 1916, at the Battle of San Francisco de Macoris during the U.S. occupation of the Dominican Republic. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1907 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1921. He also served during World War I and was awarded the Navy Cross. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "In action against hostile forces at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, 29 November 1916. With only a dozen men available, First Lieutenant Williams rushed the gate of the fortress. With eight of his party wounded by rifle fire of the defenders, he pressed on with four remaining men, threw himself against the door just as it was being closed by the Dominicans and forced an entry. Despite a narrow escape from death at the hands of a rifleman, he and his men disposed of the guards and within a few minutes had gained control of the fort and the hundred prisoners confined there."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
Illinois
LT COL US MARINE CORPS
WORLD WAR I
MH (MEDAL OF HONOR)*NC (NAVY CROSS)*SS (SILVER STAR) & OLC (0AK LEAF CLUSTER)
Family Members
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