O. Preston Williams, born 8 August 1942 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, graduated in 1964 from Arkansas State University with a B.S. degree in business administration and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  (In 1984, twenty years later, he completed an MBA).  He rapidly rose in rank to captain by 1967 and served as an intelligence officer.  His unit experienced some of the hottest fighting of the Vietnam War.  When he took command, “C” Company was a veteran outfit.  When he left, his executive officers were a pair of 19-year-old lieutenants with a few battle-tested NCO’s remaining.  During his military career, Captain Williams earned a Purple Heart, 4 Bronze Stars, and the Silver Star for which his heroic actions are being honored, here.

 On 6 June 1967, Captain Preston Williams, commander of Company “C,” 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, distinguished himself in a search and destroy mission north of Ben Cui Rubber Plantation.  For nine straight days after taking command of Company “C,” he had engaged the enemy in firefights in the famed “Iron Triangle.”  Two of his platoons moving forward were suddenly hit by an estimated company size force, employing claymore mines, small arms, anti-tank rockets, and automatic weapons fire.  Captain Williams immediately deployed his three platoons abreast for maximum firepower.  Disregarding his own safety, he moved from one position to another to effectively direct and evaluate supporting fire within 150 meters of his frontline position.  Although completely exposed to the intense artillery fire, he continued pressing the attack, maneuvering his company to effectively utilize all available firepower.  By so doing, Company “C” successfully overran the enemy base camp.  Captain Williams’ gallant, heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great honor upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.