Sgt. Willie in An Hoa

James A. Williams (Sgt. Willie) served with India 3/5 from June '68 to Jan. '69. I was on the USS Valley Forge LPH 8 and USS Tripoli LPH 10 with the (9 MAB) FMF. Before that, An Hoa, Hill 55, Hill 10, and the Rock Pile. I participated on operations MAMELUKE THRUST I thru III, HOUSTON IV, and SUSSEX BAY. 

I was transferred to India 3/26 in Jan '69. I then participated on operations MAMELUKE THRUST IV, MAUI PEAK, HENDERSON HILL, MEADE RIVER, TAYLOR COMMON, BOLD MARINER, RUSSELL BEACH and OKLAHOMAHILLS. 

On Sept. 11, 1968 during Operation SUSSEX BAY, I received shrapnel wound in my right arm. Sept. 19, 1968 on Operation MAMELUKE THRUST received shrapnel wound in my right leg. A third Purple Heart was given on 13 June '69 for enemy RPG explosion that messed up my back and left shoulder. I never accepted the first Purple Heart because I was medevaced to An Hoa, treated at the Med Bn., and in a couple of days back in the field. I wasn't in the rear with the gear, you know what I mean.

I was then as I am now, a "GRUNT." Retired, 100% combat service-connected disabled. If anyone is getting together to go back to visit let me know, I'd like to tag along. SEMPER FI!!! Sgt. Willie

Bronze Star w/V device, Purple Heart w/Gold Star device, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Marine Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal,  National Defense,Viet Nam Service Ribbon w/silver star device, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/palm device, Vietnamese Campaign medal w/device.

India 3/5 Website

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