U.S. Army Specialist Lester Williams Made the Ultimate Sacrifice to Save his Unit While Under Attack by the North Vietnamese Army
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Immediately following Veterans Day, Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today sent a letter to President Joe Biden recommending he posthumously award the Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Specialist Four Lester Williams, Jr., of Bridgeton, New Jersey. Williams served with Battery C, 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery, 1st Infantry Division in An Loc during the Vietnam War. When the North Vietnamese Army attacked Fire Support Base Rita with mortar and rocket-propelled grenade rounds in the early hours of November 1, 1968, Specialist Williams, then 24 years old, made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of his unit by throwing himself on a grenade that landed in their bunker. Williams was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross that same year for his selfless heroism.
“As we commemorated our nation’s veterans on Monday, I was honored to attend the annual event held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, where we honored the heroes from our state who have valiantly served our country. Hearing the stories of some of the courageous armed services members who sacrificed so much to maintain our country’s freedom allowed me to reflect on the importance of recognizing as many veterans as we can to the highest degree possible,” said Senator Helmy. “One veteran in particular, Specialist Four Lester Williams, Jr., made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of members of his unit during the Vietnam War. For these acts, I am recommending he receive the highest military honor. Specialist Williams is a prime example of what it means to be Jersey strong and I am proud to advocate for him to receive this honor.”
In 2021, the Department of Defense began to review Distinguished Service Cross Medals previously awarded to African American Veterans for valorous actions to consider them for the Medal of Honor. Senator Helmy urges the President to consider Specialist Williams for the country’s highest military honor for his conspicuous gallantry and unwavering devotion to duty. “The highest acts of bravery deserve the highest recognition in the land,” said Air Force Col. Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Our brother in arms, Specialist Four Lester Williams, Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice under the most dire circumstances. Upgrading his Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor is the right thing to do.”
“Bridgeton lost fifteen of her sons during the Vietnam War, including Lester Williams, Jr. Though these young men never made it back home, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t honor them in their own right,” said City of Bridgeton Mayor Albert B. Kelly. “Heaven knows Vietnam left its own scar tissue on this country and we live with it even today. Taking time to recognize these veterans seems like the right thing to do. I am glad to hear Senator Helmy is recognizing Bridgeton’s own U.S. Army Specialist Lester Williams, Jr. by advocating for him to posthumously receive the Medal of Honor.”
“The Medal of Honor is reserved for military service persons who have shown an act of bravery that is above and beyond the call of duty. As the highest military award given, the price for meeting the criteria for the award is many times the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. This appears to be the case for Army SP4 Lester Williams, Jr., of Bridgeton,” said Diana M Pitman, Director of the Cumberland County Department of Veterans Affairs. “As an Army veteran myself, it is clear from all accounts that SP4 Williams made the choice to bravely and selflessly sacrifice himself in order to save others. His complete disregard for his own safety and life is the epitome of heroism. It is with humble gratitude for his service that the Cumberland County Department of Veterans Affairs supports the recommendation of the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to SP4 Lester Williams, Jr., a true hero.”
“Army SP4 Lester Williams, Jr., of Bridgeton, NJ took bravery to the definitive sacrifice. Giving his life for country is immeasurable, and difficult for most to understand the moment a sacrifice occurs. It is my honor along with the Cumberland County Commissioners to endorse his candidacy for posthumous award of the Medal of Honor. The country is thankful for his service a real hero,” said Cumberland County Commissioner Director Joseph V. Sileo.
To view the full letter, clickhere.