Navy Federal Credit Union

(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Paul I. Williams (ASN: 0-418154), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant 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 Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    64th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    43d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 1942

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 52 (December 18, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Paul Irving Williams (ASN: 0-418154), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 64th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations during a mission over Rabaul, New Guinea, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in October 1942. First Lieutenant Williams took his Flying Fortress Bomber to an extremely low altitude to bomb and strafe a Japanese airdrome at close range. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant 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 Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 3, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 550 (November 29, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Paul Irving Williams (ASN: 0-418154), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber of the SEVENTH Air Force, in action over Midway Island on 3 June 1942. Lieutenant Williams participated in bombing the Japanese fleet that attacked Midway Island. About 300 miles northwest of Midway, the fleet, consisting of two aircraft carriers and eight destroyers was discovered. During the bombing run, the bombs in his plane failed to release. Lieutenant Williams then left the formation and, by often changing his altitude and direction, remained above the warships until the bombs were successfully released. His determination to complete his mission is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.