The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Johnelle R. Williams (ASN: 20435971), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with a Field Artillery Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. Forced to abandon his gun position during an enemy counterattack, Sergeant Williams rendered his equipment useless and then covered the evacuation of his battalion. He later returned to the area under extremely heavy enemy fire and succeeded in evacuating this equipment. 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.