Capt. D. C. Williams Awarded Silver Star

Lincolnton, Dec. 22.—Capt. Dorus C. Williams, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Williams of Lincolnton [NC], has been awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action against the enemy at Okinawa.

Captain Williams, now at Fort Bragg Separation Center, attended [NC] State College from 1932 until 1936. He is a brother of Claude B. Williams of Graham.

The citation accompanying the Silver Star decoration stated:

"When a left-flank rifle company was pinned down and was receiving heavy enemy mortar and sniper fire which inflicted heavy casualties and made it impossible to evacuate the wounded, Captain (then First Lieutenant) Williams left his own company, which at the time was in reserve, and volunteered to lead a litter squad through the enemy fire to evacuate the wounded. He crawled 200 yards through an open field under enemy cross-fire to the badly-wounded men. Realizing the necessity for a better route to evacuate the wounded, Captain Williams left the aid men to care for the wounded and made a reconnaissance through an enemy mine field where he blew up six mines, thus making a safe route over which he led the aid men to the rear, enabling the quick evacuation of all the casualties without additional loss of life. Captain Williams' gallant and courageous act is in keeping with the highest military traditions."

Captain Williams also holds the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.

NEWS FROM OUR BOYS
[Fayetteville, NC newspaper]

Capt. D. C. Williams, formerly of Roseboro and Leaksville [both NC], who has served with the 96th Division through the Leyte and Okinawa campaigns, has recovered from wounds received in battle at Okinawa. He returned to his company in time to take part in the final drive to secure the island. He wears the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. He also has the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with two stars and one arrowhead, which is given for amphibious landing on an enemy held beach. Capt. Williams has made two such landings, being in the first assault waves. He has recently received the Silver Star for action in battle on Okinawa.

Capt. Williams was educated at Oak Ridge Military Academy and State college, where he finished in textile engineering. Before entering the service he was connected with the Marshall Fields Mills at Leaksville.

He has many friends in Fayetteville and at Hope Mills where his parents formerly lived. He is a brother of Mrs. Ed Cook of this city. Mrs. Cook also has a brother, Lt. Harry R. Williams, D. C., U. S. N. R., who is stationed at a naval base on the Azores islands.