The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] James J. Williams, Jr. (ASN: RA-6246836), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 November 1950, when a strong hostile force launched an assault against a platoon of tanks in the vicinity of Ipsok, Korea, Sergeant First Class Williams, a tank commander, remained in position and delivered effective fire on the attacking force. When a group of enemy mounted the tank and attempted to destroy it, he repulsed the group with small arms fire and grenades. After the order to withdraw was given, he continued to deliver withering fire on the hostile force while the rest of his unit displaced to more tenable positions. Sergeant First Class Williams’ courage, determination and unfailing devotion to duty and to his comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.