World War II Honoree

Gregon Albert Williams

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Carrollton, Illinois

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Stationed in Shanghai, China when Pearl Harbor was attacked. All Marine detachments in Japanese-held territory were captured by the Imperial Japanese Army. He was later released in the first U.S.-Japan exchange of diplomatic and civilian personnel. Returned U.S. and later returned to the American embassy in Chungking, China as naval observer. Returned again to U.S. and became commanding officer of the 6th Marine Regiment. In April 1945, he lead his regiment to fight in the Battle of Okinawa as part of 2nd Marine Division. He and his regiment performed occupation duties in Japan until November 1945. Received Legion of Merit with Combat 'V' and two Gold stars, Bronze Star Medal with Combat 'V', Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with three stars, Yangtze Service Medal, China Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Base Clasp, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two 3/16" service stars, and Navy Occupation Service Medal.