Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Glendon
Dean
Williams
1908-01-23

–

1987-02-22

Born:

Red Oak

, 

Iowa

Home:

Malvern

, 

Iowa

Glendon Williams graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1930. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. McClelland (DE-750)

    Action Date:

    April 9 – June 8, 1945
    Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 024 (January 11, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Glendon Dean Williams (NSN: 0-72963), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. McCLELLAND (DE-750), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa from 9 April to 8 June 1945. During this period of most hazardous duty, Commander Williams commanded his ship for thirty-eight days on the vital anti-submarine screen and, despite the constant threat of enemy air attack and the strain of almost continuous alerts, maintained his crew at a high peak of fighting efficiency. By his courage and professional skill, he led his ship in the destruction of two enemy suicide planes without casualties or material damage to his own ship. His unselfish devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    October 1960 – June 1967
    Board Serial 4935 (June 27, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Glendon Dean Williams (NSN: 0-72963), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from October 1960 through June 1967, as the Director for Legislative Programs, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Personnel Policy), Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower). During this period, Captain Williams played a vital role in the development of the Department of Defense legislative program for military personnel matters. The exceptional effectiveness with which he discharged his responsibilities, and his unique personal dedication, have resulted in a distinguished record of superior achievement and invaluable contributions to significant legislative improvements in the military personnel management and benefit system. Captain Williams’ keen perception and vast knowledge were fundamental elements in the formulation of sound legislative proposals, and in assisting the Committees of the Congress and its key elected and staff members in the legislative process leading to enactment. He often shouldered the personal responsibility of representing the Office of the Secretary of Defense in advocacy of specific legislative proposals before the Congress. Through his deep understanding of military personnel programs and activities, his positive objectivity in problem analysis, his outstanding ability to communicate effectively, and his unique individual initiative, Captain Williams has played a key role in the interpretation, application, and formulation of military personnel policy in consonance with the body of applicable Federal Law. His outstanding leadership, judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.