The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Ernest Calvin Williams (MCSN: 0-1239), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Marine Expeditionary Force (Dominican Republic) in action against hostile forces at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, 29 November 1916. With only a dozen men available, First Lieutenant Williams rushed the gate of the fortress. With eight of his party wounded by rifle fire of the defenders, he pressed on with the four remaining men, threw himself against the door just as it was being closed by the Dominicans and forced an entry. Despite a narrow escape from death at the hands of a rifleman, he and his men disposed of the guards and within a few minutes had gained control of the fort and the hundred prisoners confined there.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
October 1918
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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
September 12 – 26, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain Ernest Calvin Williams (MCSN: 0-1239), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain Williams distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Thiaucourt, France, 12 – 26 September 1918. (SECOND Citation)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
September 30 – November 11, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain Ernest Calvin Williams (MCSN: 0-1239), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain Williams distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 30 September to 11 November 1918. (THIRD Citation)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
July 15 – 18, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain Ernest Calvin Williams (MCSN: 0-1239), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain Williams distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Champagne, France, 15 – 18 July 1918.