The  Secretary  of  the  Navy  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

       CITATION:

              "For  meritorious  service  while  serving  with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen,  First Marine Aircraft Wing  in connection with  combat operations against the enemy in  the  Republic  of  Vietnam  from  23  June  1969  to  16  June   1970. Throughout this period,  First Lieutenant Williams performed his duties in an exemplary and highly  professional manner.   Initially  assigned as Assistant Squadron Safety  and NATOPS  Officer,  he worked  tirelessly and  with  meticulous  attention  to   detail  to   ensure  the   expeditious accomplishment of  all assigned tasks and consistently provided his unit with outstanding support.  Reassigned as Awards Officer on  15 January 1970,  First Lieutenant Williams continued to distinguish  himself by his excellent performance  of duty.  Demonstrating  superior  initiative  and sound   judgment,  he  developed  an  effective   routing  system  for  all meritorious  service and heroic achievement awards,  which significantly increased  the  responsiveness  of his unit  to the  requirements  of other units within the squadron and contributed materially to the accomplish- ment of his section's mission.  As a result of  his diligent and resourceful efforts,  the  operational  effectiveness  of his unit was greatly enhanced. By  his initiative,  superb  professionalism,  and loyal  devotion to  duty, First Lieutenant Williams earned  the respect of all who served with him and upheld  the finest traditions of the  Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.