James Elliott Williams (June 13, 1930 – October 13, 1999) was an American law enforcement officer and honorary United States Navy chief boatswain's mate who was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.

Boatswain's Mate First Class Williams was one of 32 Native Americans to receive the medal and is considered to be the most decorated enlisted man in the history of the United States Navy.

The PBRs gave chase and soon found themselves in a beehive of enemy activity as the VC opened fire on them with rocket propelled grenades and small arms from fortified river bank positions.

As a result of the three-hour battle, the U.S. naval force killed 1,000 Viet Cong guerrillas, destroyed over fifty vessels, and disrupted a major enemy logistic operation.

Entered service at: Columbia, S.C. Born: June 13, 1930, Rock Hill, S.C. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

BM1 Williams immediately ordered the fire returned, killing the crew of 1 enemy boat and causing the other sampan to take refuge in a nearby river inlet.

Pursuing the fleeing sampan, the U.S. patrol encountered a heavy volume of small-arms fire from enemy forces, at close range, occupying well-concealed positions along the river bank.

In the savage battle that ensued, BM1 Williams, with utter disregard for his safety exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire to direct counter-fire and inspire the actions of his patrol.

His extraordinary heroism and exemplary fighting spirit in the face of grave risks inspired the efforts of his men to defeat a larger enemy force, and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S.

By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, his unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and his utmost devotion to duty, Petty Officer Williams upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

[11]The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain's Mate First Class James Elliott Williams (NSN: 9908934), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 22 August 1966, in connection with operations against the Viet Cong while serving as Patrol Officer for River Patrol Boats (PBR's) 101 and 105, on the Mekong River in the Republic of Vietnam.

During the early evening hours, Petty Officer Williams' patrol came under heavy enemy fire on four occasions from nearly one hundred Viet Cong gun emplacements on both banks of the river.

Although wounded in the face during the salvage operation, he courageously continued in complete command, directing suppressive fire while withdrawing with the sampan from the kill zone.

[12]The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain's Mate First Class James Elliott Williams (NSN: 9908934), United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 9 January 1967, while serving with River Patrol Section 531 and friendly foreign forces on the Mekong River in the Republic of Vietnam.

After administering first aid, Petty Officer Williams maneuvered his boat to the sinking dredge where a metallic tapping was heard coming from within the hull.

Upon learning that little air remained in the heavily listing dredge, Petty Officer Williams called for a line and bent it around the pipes so that a tug could pull the obstructions free.