Dominican Campaign - U.S. Marine Corps

Ernest Collier Williams

• Rank: First Lieutenant (Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel)
• Conflict/Era: Dominican Campaign
• Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
• Medal of Honor Action Date: November 29, 1916
• Medal of Honor Action Place: San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic

In action against hostile forces at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, 29 November 1916. With only a dozen men available, 1st Lt. Williams rushed the gate of the fortress. With eight of his party wounded by rifle fire of the defenders, he pressed on with the 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.