Lester Williams, Jr. was born on August 27, 1944. His home of record is Bridgeton, NJ.
Williams served in the US Army and was assigned to 1st Infantry Division, 6th Artillery Regiment, 8th Battalion, C Battery. He attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).
Williams was killed in action on November 1, 1968, during an attack on Fire Base Rita, where he was stationed. NVA infiltrated the perimeter and one tossed a satchel charge into the bunker where Williams and several others slept. Williams noticed the satchel charge, rolled out of his bunk and tossed the satchel charge clear of the bunker. His action cost him his life and saved the lives of many others.
For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Lester Williams, Jr. (ASN: US-51981676), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery C, 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 November 1968 while serving as cannoneer. His unit’s night position, located west of An Loc, was fiercely attacked by a North Vietnamese Army force. Following an initial barrage of mortar and rocket-propelled grenade rounds, the aggressors launched a ground attack which brought them deep within the defensive perimeter. Exposing himself to the fusillade, Specialist Williams ran to his bunker and fired his machine gun with deadly accuracy into the advancing North Vietnamese soldiers. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed in the bunker. He immediately threw himself upon it to save the lives of his comrades and was killed by the explosion. Specialist Four Williams’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5902 (December 30, 1968)
Williams was also awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal. He is buried at Murphy Cemetery in Midville, GA.
Sources: Various websites and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
