Naval Station Mayport Names BEQ After Medal of Honor Recipient
Story Number: NNS020327-08
Release Date: 3/28/2002 6:00:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class Christopher E. Tucker, Naval Station Mayport Public Affairs
MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- On the rivers of Vietnam in 1966, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class James E. Williams served as a boat captain of River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105. For heroic actions during a three-hour battle that were in complete disregard for his own personal safety and resulted in the destruction of 65 enemy boats, Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1968.
To honor his contributions to the nation and the Navy, Naval Station Mayport held a ceremony March 22 to name one of its bachelor enlisted quarters (BEQ) after Williams. BEQ 1394 will now be know as "Chief Boatswain's Mate James E. Williams Hall." A plaque with his name and portrait will be on display at the entrance way of the building allowing those who live there to know of Williams' accomplishments.
"Williams was the kind of man who believed in taking care of his shipmates," said retired Capt. Chester Smith during the dedication ceremony. Smith was a friend of Williams and served with him in Vietnam. "If Willie was your friend, you knew you were taken care of."
Also in attendance at the ceremony were friends and family members of Williams, including World War II Medal of Honor recipient Everett P. Pope.
Williams' other awards include the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, The Legion of Merit, two Navy and Marine Corps Legion Medals and three Bronze Stars. Prior to his death in 1999, Williams' decorations made him the most decorated living enlisted Sailor, and one of the most decorated enlisted Sailors in the Navy's history.
