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 Jake Williams (ASN: 34139379), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. On 15 April 1945 near Sablan, Sergeant Williams voluntarily accompanied an officer and another sergeant in a search of an enemy occupied cave. A Japanese soldier, hiding in the cave’s darkness, threw several grenades which wounded all three Americans. Sergeant Williams’ left arm was numbed by grenade fragments and his carbine was destroyed. Just as he started to leave the cave he noticed the officer, who had been seriously wounded and was lying a few feet to his rear. Sergeant Williams immediately returned and although handicapped by his injured arm, succeeded in dragging the casualty from the cave. Shortly thereafter the Japanese began firing rifles and throwing more grenades from the cave. Sergeant Williams organized a defense to keep the enemy contained, helped carry the officer to the aid station, then returned to the cave’s entrance and personally sealed it with a dynamite charge. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.