The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Howard C. Williams (MCSN: 2384892), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 8 July 1968, during Operation SCOTLAND II in Quang Tri Province, Company A was counterattacking a large North Vietnamese Army force which had penetrated the Marines’ defensive perimeter on Hill 689. Informed that one platoon was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire delivered from an enemy occupied bunker, Lance Corporal Williams and another Marine unhesitatingly volunteered to destroy the position with light antitank assault weapons. Disregarding his own personal safety, Lance Corporal Williams fearlessly commenced maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain toward the hostile emplacement when the enemy suddenly pinpointed his position and attempted to halt his attack with hand grenades and a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he resolutely continued his determined assault and, fearlessly exposing himself to the intense fire, employed his weapon with maximum effectiveness, silencing the hostile fire and killing approximately eight North Vietnamese soldiers. While attempting to withdraw from the hazardous area and rejoin his squad, Lance Corporal Williams was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company ejecting the hostile force from the Marines’ perimeter. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Williams upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.