The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Freddy R. Williams (MCSN: 1433034), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 18 August 1968, Company G was attacking the hamlet of La Thap (1) in Quang Nam Province when the lead element came under intense mortar, antitank rocket and automatic weapons fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force, wounding several Marines and pinning down the remainder of the company. Rapidly assessing the situation, Staff Sergeant Williams completely disregarded his own safety as he unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain and pulled one of the injured men to a position of relative safety. Undaunted by the hostile fire, he fearlessly returned across the hazardous area to the side of a second wounded comrade, and while attempting to carry the casualty to a covered position, Staff Sergeant Williams was mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Williams saved the life of a fellow Marine and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.