The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William Richard Williamson (ASN: 0-94018), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 June 1967. On this date, during Operation BILLINGS, Captain Williamson was leading his company on a search and destroy mission deep in a Viet Cong infested area of War Zone D. While moving in the dense jungle, they were suddenly subjected to intensive small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Captain Williamson quickly deployed his men and directed devastating fire on the insurgents. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Williamson exposed himself to the hostile fire as he advanced to the area of heaviest contact in order to better evaluate the situation and direct his men. Captain Williamson then pulled back his forward elements so he could call for artillery fire support on the Viet Cong positions. He remained exposed to the concentrated Viet Cong fire as he accurately adjusted friendly artillery fire which drove the insurgents form the area. Captain Williamson’s courage and resolution of purpose were responsible for the successful rout of the Viet Cong with a minimum of casualties among the friendly force. Captain Williamson’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.