bobdina
07-29-2009, 04:42 PM
Gregory Williams , Jr.
* Place of birth: Valley Spring, Calif.
* Home of record: Valley Spring, Calif.
*
Awards and Citations
1.
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Gregory D. Williams, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Sergeant Williams distinguished himself as a Squad Leader on 30 October 2006, while engaged in combat operations against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While his platoon was patrolling Baghdad's Huriyah neighborhood, they were ambushed with an array of explosively formed projectiles, small arms fire, and rocket propelled grenades. After being burned, wounded, and knocked temporarily unconscious, Sergeant Williams began to engage the enemy with his M4 carbine. Under heavy enemy fire, he recovered his immobilized platoon leader from the smoldering Stryker vehicle, then returned to the vehicle to man the .50-caliber M2 machinegun despite the threat of exploding ordnance and enemy fire. By establishing fire superiority against the enemy, Sergeant Williams freed other Soldiers who had been pinned, which allowed them to administer first aid to his wounded and burned comrades. Sergeant Williams' valorous actions and bravery, which saved his platoon leader's life and forced the enemy to flee, are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Army.
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant
* Place of birth: Valley Spring, Calif.
* Home of record: Valley Spring, Calif.
*
Awards and Citations
1.
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Gregory D. Williams, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Sergeant Williams distinguished himself as a Squad Leader on 30 October 2006, while engaged in combat operations against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While his platoon was patrolling Baghdad's Huriyah neighborhood, they were ambushed with an array of explosively formed projectiles, small arms fire, and rocket propelled grenades. After being burned, wounded, and knocked temporarily unconscious, Sergeant Williams began to engage the enemy with his M4 carbine. Under heavy enemy fire, he recovered his immobilized platoon leader from the smoldering Stryker vehicle, then returned to the vehicle to man the .50-caliber M2 machinegun despite the threat of exploding ordnance and enemy fire. By establishing fire superiority against the enemy, Sergeant Williams freed other Soldiers who had been pinned, which allowed them to administer first aid to his wounded and burned comrades. Sergeant Williams' valorous actions and bravery, which saved his platoon leader's life and forced the enemy to flee, are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Army.
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant