Navy Federal Credit Union

Richard Williams was interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia after he was captured in South Vietnam on January 8, 1968 and was held until his death in captivity on or about September 18, 1968. His remains were recovered and returned on August 14, 1985.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 8, 1968 – September 18, 1968

    First Sergeant Richard Frank Williams (ASN: RA-56216672), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from January 8, 1968 until his death in captivity on or about September 18, 1968.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Action Date:

    December 3, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Richard Frank Williams (ASN: RA-56216672), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. First Sergeant Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 December 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, his unit’s base camp was attacked by an enemy force estimated at battalion size. As the attack commenced, Sergeant Williams dashed to the command track and established communications with both the perimeter tracks and higher headquarters. He then moved among the tracks, assisting and directing the evacuation of the wounded. After establishing an aid station, Sergeant Williams moved throughout the area, encouraging his men and directing their fire. At one critical moment during the battle the command track lost communication. Sergeant Williams, without concern for his own safety, dashed across an open area, amidst heavy enemy fire, to the troop commander’s jeep. With the assistance of two other soldiers, Sergeant Williams moved the vehicle to higher ground to re-establish communications. Sergeant Williams’ actions contributed immensely to the successful defense of the base camp and the defeat of the enemy force. First Sergeant Williams’ courageous actions, determination and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.