Greeley B. Williams’ Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Greeley B. Williams (ASN: 17003441), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in aerial combat while serving with the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 8 December 1941, during the Japanese bombardment of the airfield in the Philippine Islands. While Private First Class Williams was on duty in the vicinity of his airplane, a severe aerial bombardment occurred. Not waiting for orders, he ran to his airplane, and opened fire on the attacking dive bombers which were bombing and strafing. He courageously and effectively maintained his fire until killed by a burst of fire from a hostile machine gun. His last act was in defense of the aircraft of which he was a crew members and was a vivid example of courage and devotion to duty.