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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Odell Williamson (ASN: 0-460663), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 August 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Williamson was serving as Liaison Pilot Observer for a field artillery organization delivering support fire to a large scale infantry attack. He spotted three enemy batteries firing on our forces. As soon as the enemy realized they had been seen, they directed considerable flank and anti-aircraft machine gun fire in an effort to eliminate the observer and thus avert betrayal of their positions. Despite the hazardous situation, First Lieutenant Williamson continued to fly his defenseless plane over the German emplacements in order to direct effective artillery fire which destroyed all three enemy batteries. The unselfish devotion to duty, performed by First Lieutenant Williamson without thought for his personal safety, was of inestimable value to the attacking infantry. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Williamson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    118th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 1 & 2, 1944
    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 130 (December 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Odell Williamson (ASN: 0-460663), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights on 1 September and 2 September 1944, while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action in France and Belgium. First Lieutenant Williamson was acting as a liaison pilot observer during the time that a long tactical advance was being made by infantry units from France to Belgium. Throughout the operation, he flew his liaison plane in advance of the point and to the flanks of the column, reporting the position of leading elements, enemy troops, strength and installations, condition of roads and bridges, and other pertinent data. At one time, First Lieutenant Williamson noticed that the column had halted, and, without thought for his own safety, he landed his plane in a field and proceeded on foot to investigate. Learning of an attack by the enemy, he immediately took off in his plane, under small arms fire, and informed the column commander of the situation. During the entire progress of the mission, First Lieutenant Williamson was of inestimable assistance. Despite enemy anti-aircraft fire, he heroically flew his small plane continuously in such a manner as to obtain all possible information of enemy installations, and risked his life innumerable times. His absolute disregard for himself in favor of successfully accomplishing such a hazardous assignment, and his heroic devotion to duty, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.