The Most Decorated Enlisted Sailor in Navy History

In the history of the U.S. Navy only seven men have earned all of the “Big Three” valor awards: Medal of Honor, Navy Cross and Silver Star Medal. Six were World War II officers, including one aviator and four submarine commanders. The seventh was enlisted sailor James Elliott “Willy” Williams in Vietnam.

BM1 Williams earned a Medal of Honor, a Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, a Legion of Merit with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Medal and three Bronze Stars.

BM1 William’s actions in Vietnam stand out even among other highly decorated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. For those who served, can you imagine what kind of liberty risk he must have been to have a decorated record of service such as he did and retire as a First Class? I say that, not as a criticism but out of fond memories of all I served with who worked hard and played even harder.