The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Lloyd Orval Williams (MCSN: 0-7456), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on the night of 13 – 14 October 1942. When tremendous bombardment by hostile warships set fire to an area occupied by the quartermaster of a battalion, Second Lieutenant Williams, with the aid of men from the ordnance section, quickly extinguished the fires thereby preserving ammunition and property and preventing Japanese ships from using the flames as target indications. Later, when an enemy spotting plane dropped an incendiary bomb in an ammunition dump, he braved a thick rain of hostile shell fire to suppress the blaze before it could reach disastrous proportions. His heroic initiative, employed at great personal risk in the face of grave danger, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lloyd Orval Williams (MCSN: 0-7456), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea during the period from 15 August through 2 November 1950.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
1st Ordnance BattalionDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
December 11, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Lloyd Orval Williams (MCSN: 0-7456), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Ordnance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 11 December 1950. When it became apparent that large stocks of ammunition and fuel would have to be destroyed to prevent their falling into enemy hands during the movement of the division from Koto-ri to Hungnam, Major Williams volunteered to prepare the various dumps for destruction. Although continually exposed to hostile fire, he boldly ignited the fuses of the demolition changes and set the necessary fires, thereby denying valuable supplies to the enemy. By his marked courage, professional skill and unswerving devotion to duty, Major Williams served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.