The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ellis Warner Williamson (ASN: 0-34484/0-408083), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 January 1945, in Belgium. During freezing weather some casualties were suffered within the ranks of his battalion in action with the enemy. When a request for litters and litter bearers came to his attention, he personally carried an improvised litter on his back to where it was needed. Although temporarily deafened by enemy shell fire and suffering from shock, he gallantly remained with his battalion throughout the difficult battle, which had a marked effect on the moral of his troops, helping them endure the hardships presented by the weather and hazardous campaign. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Colonel Williamson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Silver Star to Major General Ellis Warner Williamson (ASN: 0-34484), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as Commanding General of the 24th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1968. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ellis Warner Williamson (ASN: 0-34484/0-408083), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 March 1945, in Germany. Prior to an attack by his battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Williamson made a foot reconnaissance of the line of departure, and was painfully wounded when an enemy artillery concentration fell in the sector. Disregarding his own injury, he assisted a companion who was wounded and concerned only with the success of the attack, Lieutenant Colonel Williamson returned to the front and by his presence in the foremost elements of the attacking force, inspired his men to the heights of enthusiasm. Although determined resistance and heavy enemy fire were encountered, the objective was achieved. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Williamson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ellis Warner Williamson (ASN: 0-34484/0-408083), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 January 1945, in Belgium. When an enemy self-propelled gun was encountered during an attack made by his battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Williamson distinguished himself by devising and personally supervising the execution of a plan to destroy it. Placing a tank destroyer gun in position to fire at the gun to divert attention, he then led two tanks in a flanking attack, and, despite heavy enemy small arms fire, directed accurate fire from on foot which destroyed the enemy gun. Not only was the enemy weapon destroyed but five prisoners were captured and 17 others were killed without the loss of a single casualty by Lieutenant Colonel Williamson’s troops. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Colonel Williamson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ellis Warner Williamson (ASN: 0-34484), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 November 1944, in Germany. Lieutenant Colonel Williamson distinguished himself in the successful attack on his battalion at night against an enemy-held town. Following the assault troops closely in order to better direct the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Williamson was in danger from intense machine gun fire when the enemy first opened up on advancing troops. After the enemy positions had been detected and silenced, Lieutenant Colonel Williamson immediately ordered the resumption of the advance. Despite heavy mortar and machine gun fire, the attack swept irresistibly ahead and seized the town at the cost of only eight casualties. Following the entry into the town, while enemy tanks were still firing in the streets, Lieutenant Colonel Williamson personally directed the deployment of his troops in defensive positions. His gallantry, fine judgment, and inspiring leadership contributed greatly to the success of the entire operation. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Colonel Williamson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Ellis Warner Williamson (ASN: 0-34484/0-408083), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 15 June 1944. While his battalion was in attack against the enemy, a platoon of this unit was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety and on his own initiative, Captain Williamson led two volunteers across an open field, killed three of the enemy without injury to his party, thus enabling the platoon to continue tis attack. He then led three more platoons in this courageous manner. Captain Williamson’s outstanding courage and heroic actions materially assisted his battalion in accomplishing its mission and were a priceless inspiration to his fellow officers and men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Williamson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.