9 Operations Group 391st Bombardment Group (M)[2] Distinguished Flying Cross from the USAAF,[5] Distinguished Flying Cross from Royal Air Force,[6] Croix de Guerre with palm[6] (France),[6] Bronze Star Medal,[5] Gerald Evan Williams (December 17, 1907 – February 17, 1949) was an American officer in the Ninth Air Force during World War II.

[11] Myron and Belle moved their young family to Presque Isle in 1917, establishing a laundry business in an older section of town.

He was assigned to the Flying Service at Randolph, San Antonio, Texas on September 11, 1931[13] and trained in attack, bombardment, and pursuit groups.

"[22]In 1938 Williams was honored as a 1st Lieutenant, to be chosen one of the pilots of a pioneering flight of six early YB-17A "Flying Fortress" four-engined heavy bombers.

"On a bitingly cold Tuesday morning, at 9 o'clock, February 15, to be exact, the last of the six Boeings lifted gracefully into the air headed south for Miami.

Where frightened civilians in other countries during the past quarter century scanned the skies with dread, these friendly people were eagerly awaiting these Ambassadors of Good Will, who were bringing not bombs but messages of Friendship.

He personally led more than 75 missions, often placing himself as lead pilot in his B-26 Lady Belle on low-level bombing runs against heavily defended Axis targets in Occupied France.

[34] As a California newspaper reported, "In less than eight months of operation the Black Death's Marauders carried destruction to 167 German targets.

Under Col. Williams 'superior leadership and his superb power of organization' the group went back the same day to Germany for a second mission to successfully blast a heavily defended town.

"[35] Williams won Distinguished Flying Crosses from both the USAAF (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), as well as from the Royal Air Force, and the Croix de Guerre from liberated France.

Col. Williams has received the Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission May 9, when, according to the citation, he 'led a group against heavily defended enemy installations in occupied France.

'"[33]The raid on the bridge at Nantes, France, on July 31, 1944 resulted in the second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster added to his Distinguished Flying Cross.

"[21] In 1945 Gerald E. Williams was awarded a Silver Star Citation for conspicuous gallantry in action, while serving with the Ninth Air Force.

[4] "The inexorable determination, outstanding skill and unhesitating courage of the officers and men of the group in so brilliantly carrying the attack to the enemy is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.

Colonel Williams' fortitude and extreme determination in the face of overwhelming odds contributed materially to the success of joint air-ground operations in the Ardennes Salient and his courageous leadership and coolness under fire reflect high credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.