Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
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.
- Accredited to: Illinois
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Born: August 2, 1887, Broadwell, Elkhart County, IL, United States
- Died: July 31, 1940, Indianola, IL, United States
- Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery (5-12), Indianola, IL, United States
Additional information on his action comes from U.S. Navy General Order No. 289, dated April 27, 1917:
"The department takes pleasure in announcing to the service the award of a medal of honor to First Lieut. Ernest C. Williams, U. S. M. C., for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession in the face of the enemy at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, November 29, 1916.
The reports in the department show that on November 29, 1916, First Lieut. Ernest C. Williams with 12 men charged a fort (Fortaleza) at San Francisco de Macoris in the face of fire from about 40 rifles, hurled himself against the doors just as they were being closed, was the first inside, and, without the loss of a single man, but with 8 of his original detachment of 12 men wounded, succeeded in the capture of the fort.
The Commendant of the U. S. Marine Corps in forwarding the reports states: 'It appears that by his conspicuous gallantry, initiative and excellent judgement he solved the problem which might have proved a serious one had the enemy been given time to organize and consolidate, and that First Lieut. Ernest C. Williams in enetering and seizing the Fortaleza by its only entrance was most gallant and corageous.'"