Ernest Calvin Williams (August 2, 1887 – July 31, 1940) was a United States Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 29, 1916, during the Battle of San Francisco de Macoris. Then 1st Lt Williams, leading 12 Marines, charged and captured the fortress from a numerically superior enemy.[1] These actions were part of the U.S. occupation of the Dominican Republic. He was later awarded the Navy Cross.
Calvin Williams | |
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| Born | August 2, 1887 Broadwell, Illinois |
| Died | July 31, 1940 (aged 52) |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1907 - 1921 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles / wars | Occupation of the Dominican Republic * Battle of San Francisco de Macoris World War I |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor Navy Cross |
Medal of Honor citation
editRank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: August 2, 1887, Broadwell, Illinois Accredited to: Illinois. G.O. No.: 289, April 27, 1917. Other Navy award: Navy Cross.
Citation:
In action against hostile forces at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, 29 November 1916. With only a dozen men available, First Lieutenant Williams rushed the gate of the fortress. With eight of his party wounded by rifle fire of the defenders, he pressed on with four remaining men, threw himself against the door just as it was being closed by the Dominicans and forced an entry. Despite a narrow escape from death at the hands of a rifleman, he and his men disposed of the guards and within a few minutes had gained control of the fort and the hundred prisoners confined there.[2]
See also
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Notes
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This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
- "1stLt Ernest C. Williams, Medal of Honor, 1917, Dominican Republic (Medal of Honor citation)". Marines Awarded the Medal of Honor. United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 2007-03-05. Retrieved 2006-12-29.
- "Medal of Honor recipients — Dominican Campaign". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2009-06-23. Retrieved 2006-12-29.
- "Ernest Calvin Williams". HomeofHeroes.com. Retrieved 2006-12-29.
- "Ernest Calvin Williams". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved 2007-10-09.
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