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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Frederick Conrad Williamson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-90498), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 and 6 December 1965, First Lieutenant Williamson was leading his platoon as part of a company force assigned to seize, occupy and defend an abandoned Government outpost where a Marine helicopter had crashed fifteen miles south of Quang Ngai. As the advance guard of the Company, First Lieutenant Williamson’s platoon, under his aggressive leadership, moved through sporadic sniper fire and reached the objective just before darkness. Demonstrating exceptional tactical ability, he positioned his men and weapons to defend the assigned sector, and fearlessly continued to instruct and encourage them as sniper fire increased in intensity with the darkness of night. Just after midnight, the enemy attacked with a savage, deadly accurate barrage of mortar and recoilless rifle fire, simultaneously attacking across the front of the platoon with intense automatic weapons fire and a hail of grenades. Maintaining exceptional presence of mind and exhibiting inspiring leader ship throughout, First Lieutenant Williamson continuously moved among his men, assisting in evacuating casualties, redistributing men and ammunition and inspiring them by his fearless actions and words of encouragement. With a constant keen appraisal of the situation, he forwarded timely reports and directed fire throughout the attack. The success of First Lieutenant Williamson’s defense was apparent at daylight, when a sweep of the battle area produced twelve Viet Cong dead, seven weapons and a large number of grenades. Matted-down trails marked with blood and bandages further indicated that enemy casualties were heavy. First Lieutenant Williamson’s exceptional leadership and professional ability were of inestimable value in the evacuation of the disabled helicopter and the successful accomplishment of the mission. By his unfaltering combative spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Williamson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    March 21, 1966

    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 First Lieutenant Frederick Conrad Williamson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-90498), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 March 1966, First Lieutenant Williams on led his platoon on a search and destroy operation in Quang Ngai Province, moving in trace of the lead elements of the Company. When the Company was subjected to devastating fire from a large, heavily emplaced Viet Cong force encircling a village, the leading Marine platoon almost immediately sustained numerous casualties. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Williamson quickly led his platoon forward into a position to reinforce the lead platoon, courageously traversing an open rice paddy which was swept by withering fire. When the platoon was in position, he skillfully directed fire upon the enemy positions and supervised the evacuation of several men who had been wounded in the initial fire. Continually exposing himself to the enemy fire, he moved from position to position and among the casualties until he was twice wounded in the abdomen by Viet Cong rifle fire. While undergoing treatment from a Corpsman, First Lieutenant Williamson was ordered to withdraw from the village. With assistance from his radioman, he regained his feet and, exposing himself again to enemy fire, directed the retraction and evacuation of the wounded. Remaining on his feet and in command although seriously wounded and in intense pain, he expertly called in an artillery smoke screen to cover the withdrawal. Refusing evacuation for himself, he carefully insured that all the wounded were removed from the danger area. By his unselfish devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and inspiring leadership, First Lieutenant Williamson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.