Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lowell R. Williams (ASN: RA-16260249), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Kunow-ni, Korea, on 9 February 1951. Corporal Williams’ company was attacking an estimated enemy battalion, defending from well dug-in positions, the approach to the Han River. As the attack was launched up the near vertical hill it became obvious that the enemy could be routed from his positions only with grenades. Realizing this, Corporal Williams voluntarily exposed himself to the intense fire to move down the hill to the company supply point and return with a load of eighteen hand grenades. Within a few minutes, he used some of his supply with such effect that he had eliminated an enemy machine gun and several sub-machine gun positions which had been taking a heavy toll of casualties among his platoon. The enemy, sweeping the area with withering fire, struck both the platoon leader and the platoon sergeant and lacking leadership the attack was slowed. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Williams, with complete disregard for his own safety, once again exposed himself to the intense fire and assumed command of the platoon. Rallying his men he immediately pressed the attack and personally led the way with his accurately thrown grenades. In this fashion, he personally killed fifteen of the enemy and so demoralized the remainder that they abandoned their positions and fled in disorder. Gaining the summit of the hill he placed his men in position to received the inevitable counterattack. It came in a few minutes in great mass, but so effectively had he deployed the men of his platoon that they were successful in repulsing the attack until their ammunition ran dangerously low and they were ordered to withdraw. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Williams, 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

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 251 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lowell R. Williams (ASN: RA-16260249), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.