The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Major James Patrick McWilliams, Jr. (MCSN: 0-73146), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Operations Officer of the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 13 May 1969, ammunition storage areas at Fire Support Base ERSKINE caught fire and the resultant detonation of 155-mm. ordnance caused fires and the explosion of other ammunition throughout the area. Unhesitatingly exposing himself to shell fragments and exploding small arms ammunition, Major McWilliams quickly organized an orderly withdrawal of Marines in the path of the fire. Although the intensity of the fires and detonations rapidly increased, he completely disregarded his own safety to make repeated trips into the hazardous area and assist dazed and wounded men to covered positions. Informed that one Marine was missing, he unhesitatingly raced across the fire-swept terrain to the man’s position, and finding him in a complete state of shock at the bottom of a fighting hole, carried him through a barrage of exploding ordnance to the aid station. Although wounded during his valiant actions, he ignored his painful injury to man the operations center until his position became untenable, the directed the evacuation of the entire base to a nearby tree line. Major McWilliams’ courage, selfless concern for his fellow men and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger were instrumental in preventing excessive Marine casualties and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel James Patrick McWilliams, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel McWilliams reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
9th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
March 18, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James Patrick McWilliams, Jr. (MCSN: 0-73146), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer of the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 March 1969, after having completed Operation DEWEY CANYON the First Battalion was located at a landing zone near Tam Bui in Quang Tri Province, and had occupied the site for eight days while awaiting weather favorable for its helicopter extraction. During this time it was under constant harassment from scattered North Vietnamese Army units. In the early morning hours, the Marines came under a vicious hostile ground attack supported by mortars, and Major McWilliams, disregarding his own safety, immediately initiated an energetic defense of the position. In a dynamic display of courage and composure under fire, he directed the operations of the battalion mortar section, maintained communication with his infantry units, and coordinated strikes of fixed wing aircraft on the enemy force. When the intensive Marine attack caused the North Vietnamese to withdraw, he developed further suppressive fire to enable the effective protection of his Marines, should extraction become feasible. A short break in the weather finally permitted extraction helicopters to approach the landing zone and the enemy, noting this, then targeted the Marine aircraft with heavy fire. Repeatedly exposing himself to the intense fire, Major McWilliams directed the extraction of his men and, as the ground forces withdrew he coordinated increased supporting fire. His courage and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were a contributing factor to the North Vietnamese Army’s loss of forty-two soldiers killed with only minimal casualties. By his courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Major McWilliams contributed significantly to the completion of the operation and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
9th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
February 12, 1969 – February 5, 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major James Patrick McWilliams, Jr. (MCSN: 0-73146), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer and Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division from 12 February 1969 to 5 February 1970. Major McWilliams assumed the responsibilities of Operations Officer while the Battalion was engaged in Operation DEWEY CANYON. His tactical planning, foresight and exceptional proficiency in the employment and coordination of supporting arms contributed immeasurably to the Battalion’s success in this operation, a success which can be measured by the 650 enemy killed and the largest single seizure of enemy material in Vietnam. From 30 March to 3 May, Major McWilliams displayed his exceptional organizational ability and professional competence in planning for the defense of Con Thien, C-2 perimeter, Cam Lo and Mai Loc, integrating indigenous and U.S. units into a well-trained, rapidly responsive defense. His superior knowledge of Reconnaissance in Force operations greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the Battalion in Operations CAMERON FALLS, APACHE SNOW, and HERKIMER MOUNTAIN. Major McWilliams’ exemplary performance of duty and planning proficiency during Operation UTAH MESA were directly responsible for 85 North Vietnamese Army killed. During early July Major McWilliams was tasked with the many details involved in withdrawing the Battalion from Vietnam and its transfer to Okinawa. Arriving at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Major McWilliams planned and supervised the transition of the battalion from its Combat Orientation to that of an Amphibious Force in Readiness to garrison. Reassigned Battalion Executive Officer, his talents as an organizer and knowledge of staff procedures were immediately put to the test when BLT 1/9 was activated for deployment as the ground element of Special Landing Force BRAVO. In three weeks, while experiencing a 60 percent turnover in personnel, Major McWilliams molded an inexperienced staff into an efficient organization. Assigned as CQ of Troops aboard U.S.S. VANCOUVER, Major McWilliams, though physically separated from the staff and occupied in other demanding duties, continued to provide guidance and assistance.