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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 Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Henry M. Williams, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 76th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, October 31 – 11 November 1918. In command of a detached piece operating with the infantry of the 5th Division, Lieutenant Williams kept his gun close behind the attacking waves and skillfully accomplished the missions assigned to him. This was the first field piece to cross the Meuse. Putting out of action a battery of German 77-mm, guns, by direct fire, he later turned on the retreating enemy after his own ammunition had been exhausted.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    76th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 31 – November 11, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Henry M. Williams, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant Williams commanded a detached piece from 31 October to 13 November, 1918, and was attached to the 5th Division. He displayed fine judgment and rendered excellent service during this time, keeping his gun close behind the Infantry attacking at Dun-sur-Meuse, Murvaux, Lion, and Mousay. His was the first artillery across the Meuse. In the vicinity of Dun, he with great courage and skill took up a position from which he put out of action, by direct fire, a battery of 77’s, turning these guns against the enemy, served by his cannoneers, when his own ammunition was exhausted. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]