Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Master Sergeant Jack Lewis Williams (ASN: RA-17292324), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-341, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Master Sergeant Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 March 1967, as Special Forces Commander of an irregular civilian company conducting a search and destroy mission near Bu Dop. The company had completed a heliborne assault and had moved a short distance from the landing zone when it was subjected to intense mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. Braving the savage fusillade, Sergeant Williams skillfully adjusted lethal air strikes on the enemy, rallied his troops and began to lead an attack on the hostile force. During the raging firefight, two enemy, armed with automatic weapons, charged his unit’s position, wounding a soldier directly in front of him. Dropping to the ground as if he was also hit, Sergeant Williams killed both insurgents at point-blank range. He then ordered his outnumbered troops to withdraw to a defensive position while he remained behind to direct additional air strikes on the encircling North Vietnamese. As he began to maneuver to rejoin his men, an enemy soldier grabbed him around the neck. Sergeant Williams fought loose and killed the insurgent. Rejoining his men, he directed them in repulsing four furious enemy human-wave assaults. During one attack, he crawled forward through a withering hail of bullets and personally killed five charging North Vietnamese with rifle fire. His fearless and inspiring leadership in close combat saved his company from annihilation and turned what seemed to be certain defeat into a successful operation. Master Sergeant Williams’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Regiment:

    5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

    Division:

    1st Special Forces

    Action Date:

    January 14, 1967

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3740 (July 22, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class Jack Lewis Williams (ASN: RA-17292324), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-341, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 January 1967 while serving as senior Special Forces Advisor to a Vietnamese strike force conducting a search and destroy mission near the Cambodian border. When the unit received an intense barrage of machine gun fire from a North Vietnamese battalion, Sergeant Williams immediately rushed to the forward position and organized a perimeter defense. Although the enemy was at a more advantageous position, Sergeant Williams commanded and led a fierce attack that overcame the enemy emplacements. He then consolidated his position, directed the recovery of the casualties and called for air support. On one occasion, two Vietnamese soldiers were forced to abandon a wounded man due to enemy fire. Observing this, Sergeant Williams fearlessly charged the enemy position and single-handedly overpowered its occupants. Still receiving enemy fire, he went to the aid of the wounded soldier and carried him to safety. Sergeant First Class Williams’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.