Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Francis
Thomas
Williamson
April 28, 1907

–

February 25, 1989

Francis Williamson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1931. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Craven (DD-382)

    Action Date:

    August 6 – 7, 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 326 (May 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Francis Thomas Williamson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CRAVEN (DD-382), during a surface engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Vella Gulf, Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 – 7 August 1943. Lieutenant Commander Williamson maneuvered his ship and struck boldly with well-timed and perfectly coordinated torpedo attacks, which resulted in the sinking of one Japanese cruiser and three destroyers. He brought his ship through the engagement without loss or damage. Lieutenant Commander Williamson’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 1962 – April 1964
    All Hands (December 1964)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Francis Thomas Williamson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period May 1962 to April 1964 as Chief, Navy Section, Joint United States Military Mission for Aid to Turkey. Exercising a high degree of professional competence, foresight, and diplomacy, Rear Admiral Williamson was instrumental in increasing the combat effectiveness of the Turkish Navy by instituting destroyer and submarine overhauls, and patrol and amphibious craft building in Turkish shipyards; establishing a modern integrated supply system; initiating new training devices and systems; and realizing savings of over seven million dollars through disposal of excess material, realistic fund utilization, and the phasing out of excess advisory effort. In addition, he assisted in the establishment of the Turkish Navy Hydrographic Office.