The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Ernest Calvin Williams (MCSN: 0-1239), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as Battalion Commander, Second Battalion, 6th Regiment Marines, 2d Division, A.E.F., on the front of the Champagne sector, France. Captain Williams led his battalion with bravery and skill, attaining all objectives on time, keeping his troops close to the barrage and through heavy machine-gun and artillery fire from the enemy. After reorganizing on the third objective he pushed forward strong patrols for exploitation, securing and maintaining a strong line for the night and the two succeeding days.