James Eliott Williams
| James Elliott Williams | |
|---|---|
 
Boatswain's Mate 1st Class James E. Williams, U.S. Navy
|
|
| Nickname(s) | "Willie" |
| Born |
November 13, 1930 Fort Mill, South Carolina |
| Died | October 13, 1999 (aged 68) |
| Place of burial | Florence National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1947–1967 |
| Rank |
Boatswain’s Mate First Class Chief Boatswain’s Mate (Honorary)
|
| Battles/wars |
Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Medal of Honor Navy Cross Silver Star Medal (2) Legion of Merit with Combat "V" Navy and Marine Corps Medal (2) Bronze Star (3) with Combat "V" Purple Heart Medal (3) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2) with Combat "V" |
| Other work | U. S. Marshal |
James Elliott "Willie" Williams (November 13, 1930 – October 13, 1999) was a Cherokee Indian and an honorary United States Navy chief boatswain’s mate who was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Williams was one of 32 Native Americans to receive the medal and is considered to be the most decorated enlisted man in the history of the Navy.
Williams was born in Fort Mill, South Carolina and moved two months later with his parents to Darlington, South Carolina where he spent his early childhood and youth. He attended the local schools and graduated from St. John's high school. In 1949, Williams married the former Elaine Weaver and they had five children (daughter, Debbie, sons, James E. "Jr.", Stephen Michael, Charles E., and daughter, Gail) and seven grandchildren.
In 1999, Williams died on the Navy's birthday, October 13, and was buried at the Florence National Cemetery in Florence, South Carolina.
Williams enlisted in the United States Navy on August 8, 1947, at the age of 16, and completed basic training at Naval Training Center San Diego. He served for almost twenty years, retiring on April 26, 1967 as a boatswain's mate first class. During those years, he served in both the Korean War and Vietnam War. On May 14, 1968, Williams was presented the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the dedication ceremony of the "Hall of Heroes" in the Pentagon. In 1977, he received the honorary title of chief boatswain's mate.
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