LT Williams' Awards

11/11/42

ENSIGN ROBERT P. WILLIAMS

"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as pilot of a dive bomber in the action against Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on May 7, 1942.  In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, he dived his plane at an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier and released his bomb with calm accuracy.  By grim determination and expert appraisal of his objective, he contributed materially to the high percentage of hits inflicted by his particular squadron and assisted in the ultimate destruction of the enemy carrier.  His individual action was an important factor in the collective success of those United States Naval forces which engaged the enemy in the Battle of the Coral Sea."

        He has the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp.

        Ensign William's home address is Encinitas, California.

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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

        Lieutenant Robert Pershing Williams, U.S.N.R., 26, previously awarded the Navy Cross.  He was born in Pierre, South Dakota, son of Mr. H. P. Williams, Snoqualmie, Washington.

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in combat against an enemy submarine in the Atlantic Area in July 1943.  Carrying out a routine patrol flight, Lieutenant Williams sighted a fully surfaced enemy submarine and immediately went into action.  Skillfully maneuvering his plane into striking position, he attacked the hostile undersea craft, sending four depth charges exploding close aboard, causing serious damage and rendering her unable to submerge.  His superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit contributed in large measure to the eventual destruction of the German ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. "

N A V Y    D E P A R T M E N T

HOLD FOR RELESAE

UNTIL 9 A.M. (E.W.T.)

FEBRUARY 12, 1945

FORTY AWARDS AUTHORIZED

        The following awards have been authorized by the Secretary of the Navy:

GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF SECOND NAVY CROSS

AND GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF SECOND DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

        Lieutenant Robert Pershing Williams, U.S.N.R., 26, who has previously received the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.  Lieutenant Williams was born in Pierre, South Dakota, and his usual address is Snoqualmie, Washington, where his father, Mr. H. P. Williams, resides.

        The citation accompanying the Gold Star in lieu of the second Navy Cross reads:

"For extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a United States Navy Torpedo Bomber during an attack on an enemy German submarine in the Atlantic Area.  An aggressive and valiant fighter, alert to every attack opportunity, Lieutenant Williams immediately went into action upon sighting the periscope of a German submarine.  Launching a vigorous bombing run as the hostile vessel commenced surfacing, he released four depth charges, one of which exploded close aboard the port bow and caused the submarine to submerge slowly on an even keel.  His superb airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty in the execution of hazardous submarine patrols reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Williams and the United States Naval Service."

        Wording of the citation for the Gold Star in lieu of the second Distinguished Flying Cross is:

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a United States Navy Torpedo Bomber during action against an enemy submarine in the Atlantic Area.  Sighting a fully surfaced hostile vessel while carrying out an anti-submarine patrol, Lieutenant Williams immediately initiated a bombing run and although unaided by supporting fighter planes, released four depth charges, all of which exploded close aboard and one directly under the target just off the conning tower.  As a result of his determined and accurate attack, the bow of the enemy submarine was forced out of the water at an angle of 35 degrees before she finally sank, stern first, leaving an oil slick, debris and enemy personnel in the surrounding water.  Lieutenant Williams' indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering courage in fulfilling a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF THIRD DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

        Lieutenant Robert Pershing Williams, U.S.N.R., 26, previously awarded the Navy Cross and Gold Star in lieu of the second Navy Cross, and the Distinguished Flying Cross and Gold star in lieu of the second Distinguished Flying Cross.  Lieutenant Williams was born in Pierre, South Dakota, and his usual address is Snoqualmie, Washington, home of his father, Mr. H. P. Williams.

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a United States Navy Torpedo Bomber during action against an enemy submarine in the Atlantic Area.  While patrolling the Atlantic Area in a routine flight, Lieutenant Williams sighted a fully surfaced enemy submarine and swiftly maneuvered his plane into striking position.  Courageously attacking, he released two depth charges which straddled the hostile vessel, exploding close aboard and resulting in her destruction and the subsequent capture of thirty-six enemy survivors by a destroyer escort.  By his outstanding skill and intrepidity during this action, Lieutenant Williams contributed to the success of our campaign against the German submarine offensive and his determined and aggressive conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."