Rank Insignia Previous Honoree ID Next Honoree ID


   
honoree image
First Name: Van

Last Name: Williams

Birthplace: Fort Worth, TX, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Marines (present)



Home of Record: Fort Worth, TX
Middle Name: W.



Date of Birth: 01 July 1921

Date of Death: 20 June 1944

Rank: Corporal

Years Served:
Van Wood Williams, Jr.

   
Engagements:
•  World War II (1941 - 1945)

Biography:

Van Wood Williams, Jr.

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 746 (February 8, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Van W. Williams, Jr. (MCSN: 311742), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands on 20 June 1944.
Braving the terrific fire of a Japanese counter battery attack, Corporal Williams unhesitatingly went forward and valiantly assisted in extinguishing an artillery ammunition dump fire which threatened further vital stores at his position.
Mortally wounded while carrying out his heroic action, Corporal Williams was instrumental in saving numerous lives and vast supplies of vital ammunition and his resolute initiative, outstanding courage and unswerving devotion to duty at the risk of his own life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.



Origin of Nickname/Handle:

Texas WWII Exceptional Gallantry

Honoree ID: 316421   Created by: drjones46

Ribbons


Medals


Badges


Honoree Photos

honoree imagehonoree imagehonoree image

honoree imagehonoree image

honoree image

Remembrances


Tributes