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.