- SURNAME
Williams
- FORENAME
Warren Rand, Jr
- UNIT
504 Parachute Infantry Regiment (RHQ - Executive Officer)
- RANK
Lieutenant Colonel
- NUMBER
0-21250
- AWARD
Silver Star, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster
- PLACE
Europe
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Sanford, North Carolina
born 11.6.1916
son of Warren Rand (1891-1965) and Mary Ellen (nee Makepeace) Williams (1891-1977)
graduated USMA, West Point 1938
1942 married Sara J. Williams (1919-2001)
504 PIR (Company A) 1942 (Major)
504 PIR (C.O. 1 Bn) 1942-44
504 PIR (X.O. RHQ) 1944-45
served Korean + Vietnam War
Assistant Commandant, US Army Aviation School 1962
retired as Colonel
3 x Legion of Merit (1 x Korean War, 2 x Vietnam War)
died 11.5.1986
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia Section 65 Site 4121
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Warren Rand Williams, Jr. (ASN: 0-21250), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action near Sessano, Italy, on 6 February 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Williams, Commanding, led the First Battalion by night through a maze of irrigation canals and under enemy artillery fire to within striking distance of his objective. With the coming of dawn, enemy resistance and artillery fire increased in intensity and inflicted heavy casualties. Lieutenant Colonel Williams personally led his supporting tanks down a road interdicted by 20-mm. and artillery fire. While shells were bouncing off a “buttoned up” tank, he unhesitatingly climbed aboard, secured the crew’s attention and directed their fire so accurately that the enemy guns were knocked out. Inspired by his gallant action and his constant presence with the forward elements, his battalion won their objectives and held them against bitter counterattacks. Lieutenant Colonel Williams’ skillful and courageous leadership reflect the highest standards of the United States Airborne Forces.
WEB LINKS:
• https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-91844/FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49364834/warren-rand-williams
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