Robert Williams (United States Marine Corps)
Encyclopedia
Robert Williams was an officer in the United States Marine Corps
during World War II
. He would receive the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo
.
His award citation reads:
Williams was born in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He would receive the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo
Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo
The Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo was a land battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, between the forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied ground forces. It took place from 7–9 August 1942 on the Solomon Islands, during the initial Allied landings in the Guadalcanal...
.
His award citation reads:
- The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Robert H. Williams (MCSN: 0-4469), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the FIRST Parachute Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during the assault on enemy Japanese forces at Gavutu, Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. Fighting against very great odds, Lieutenant Colonel Williams and his command daringly stormed strongly entrenched enemy forces and succeeded in securing a beachhead for further operations. Although he was wounded during this forward thrust, his outstanding spirit of aggressiveness and leadership was an inspiration to his entire Battalion, reflecting great credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Williams, his command, and the United States Naval Service.
Williams was born in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Arbor Vitae is a town in Vilas County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,153 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Arbor Vitae is located in the town.-Geography:...
.