World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Samuel Tankersley Williams
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Denton, Texas
Honored By
Pearl Thomas
Served as Assistant Division Commander of the 90th 'Tough Ombres' Infantry Division, and took part in Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Northern France. They landed at Utah Beach on D-Day+1 (June 7, 1944). While on board the transport ship Susan B. Anthony, it struck a mine. He risked his life, although he couldn't swim, he supervised the evacuation of the wounded and transfer of soldiers to rescue craft, and then on to Utah Beach. He was the last one to leave the ship, which was abandoned and sank. All 2,689 people aboard were saved. He received the Soldier's Medal for his actions. On June 15, 1944, he assisted in maneuvering and positioning lead units of the 90th Division during an assault on Gourbesville and received the Silver Star for his actions. Near the end of the war, he served as the XXII Corps Chief of Staff.