Background
He was born on June 5, 1887 in Berryville, Virginia.
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Lloyd Williams
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A member of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Technical) class of 1907, he was a member of Alpha Company in the Virginia Technical Corps of Cadets. He was elected to its office of Captain. He received his appointment as a second lieutenant of the United States Marine Corps on December 11, 1909.
Career
While very young, his family moved to Washington, District of Columbia. A famous saying is attributed to Captain Williams, who was serving as a company commander in the 5th Marines. When advised to withdraw by a French officer at the defensive line just north of the village of Lucy-le-Bocage on June 1, 1918, he is said to have replied: "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!" Major Williams Hall at Virginia Technical opened in 1957 and was named in his memory. The building operated as a dorm until it was converted to an academic building in 1995.
He is also considered to be the first known person from Virginia to die in the First World War.
Achievements
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Captain Williams would not survive the ensuing battle. He was posthumously promoted to major. Colonel Wise recommended him for the Medal of Honor, but it was disapproved by the American Expeditionary Force high command with no commentary. Colonel Wise then recommended him for an Army decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross which was not granted. Williams did, however, receive three Silver Star citations.
Membership
A member of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Technical) class of 1907, he was a member of Alpha Company in the Virginia Technical Corps of Cadets.
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Born
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Died
June 12, 1918 (aged 31) -
Nationality
United States
Awards
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Purple Heart Distinguished Service Cross; Medal of Honor Captain Williams would not survive the ensuing battle. He was posthumously promoted to major. Colonel Wise recommended him for the Medal of Honor, but it was disapproved by the American Expeditionary Force high command with no commentary. Colonel Wise then recommended him for an Army decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross which was not granted. Williams did, however, receive three Silver Star citations. The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.Purple Heart Distinguished Service Cross; Medal of Honor Captain Williams would not survive the ensuing battle. He was posthumously promoted to major. Colonel Wise recommended him for the Medal of Honor, but it was disapproved by the American Expeditionary Force high command with no commentary. Colonel Wise then recommended him for an Army decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross which was not granted. Williams did, however, receive three Silver Star citations. The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.