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TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF JAMES E. WILLIAMS OF ROCK HILL WHO WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS VALOR IN COMBAT, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARD THAT CAN BE BESTOWED UPON A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.
Whereas, throughout our nation's history, men and women in all eras from Concord and Lexington to Falleujah have gone in harm's way to protect and secure our country's freedom and way of life; and
Whereas, to recognize extraordinary heroism the Congress of the United States established the Medal of Honor which represents the highest award for valor in combat that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States; and
Whereas, there have been more than three thousand four hundred recipients but fewer than one hundred forty remain with us today; and
Whereas, most recipients of the medal are ordinary Americans from ordinary backgrounds who, under extraordinary circumstances and at great risk to their own lives, performed an incredible act or a series of acts of conspicuous valor that clearly sets them apart from their comrades; and
Whereas, thirty-seven citizens with South Carolina roots have received the Medal of Honor since its inception; and
Whereas, James E. Williams is one of these South Carolinians; and
Whereas, born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on November 13, 1930, Mr. Williams entered the service in Columbia achieving the rank of Boatswain's Mate First Class (PO1c.), United States Navy, River Section 531, My Tho, RVN and served his country with honor and distinction in the Republic of Vietnam; and
Whereas, he received the Medal of Honor for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Boat Captain and Patrol Officer aboard River Patrol Boat 105 accompanied by another patrol boat when the patrol was suddenly taken under fire by two enemy sampans; and
Whereas, PO1c. Williams immediately ordered the fire returned, killing the crew of one enemy boat and causing the other to flee. In pursuit of the fleeing enemy, the patrol encountered a heavy volume of small arms fire and was confronted with a superior enemy force aboard two enemy junks and eight sampans when Williams disregarded his own safety and exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire to direct counter-fire and inspire the actions of his patrol; and
Whereas, amid increasing strength of the enemy force, PO1c. Williams demonstrated unusual professional skill and indomitable courage throughout the three-hour battle. He displayed great initiative and boldly led the patrol through intense enemy fire to ultimately account for the destruction or loss of sixty-five enemy boats and the infliction of numerous casualties on the enemy personnel; and
Whereas, James E. Williams' extraordinary heroism and exemplary fighting spirit in the face of grave risks inspired the efforts of his men to defeat a larger enemy force in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, would like to publicly recognize and honor this brave and courageous son of South Carolina for his extraordinary heroism in the defense of our country and her ideals which epitomizes the very best of what America stands for. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly commend the extraordinary heroism of James E. Williams who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor in combat, which is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Mr. James E. Williams.
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