Court wasn’t in session Friday, but the courtroom on the top floor of the Darlington County Courthouse was filled with residents honoring the late Navy Chief Boatswain’s Mate James Elliott Williams.
A portrait of Williams, the most decorated enlisted man in the history of the Navy, was unveiled. It will hang in the courthouse for posterity.
Williams is a 1966 recipient of the Medal of Honor for his bravery as a boat captain and patrol officer aboard River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105. Williams and his 10-man crew waged a pitched battle on the Mekong River in Vietnam against multiple enemy boats.
Williams was lauded for “demonstrating unusual professional skill and indomitable courage” throughout the three-hour battle. When the smoke cleared, his patrol had destroyed 65 enemy boats and 1,200 enemy troops.
Williams was presented the Medal of Honor at the White House by then-president Lyndon B. Johnson.
“This is a great day because it’s Veterans Day and we have the opportunity to honor a true American patriot, Elliott Williams,” Darlington County Administrator Dale Surrett said. “We thank all the veterans for their service and the Williams family for sharing this day with us.”
State Sen. Gerald Malloy of Hartsville, the featured speaker, said he didn’t serve in the military but he looks up to those who do. He said he was “floored” by Williams’ extensive biography.
“We are honoring someone who is an absolute hero,” Malloy said. “I’m proud to be a small part of this ceremony. We need to be the best citizens we can be to carry on the tradition of Elliott Williams.”
Malloy urged those present to pray for our servicemen and -women. He thanked the Williams family for its contributions to Darlington County and the country.
Jimmy Williams, the Darlington County Veterans Administration officer, introduced Malloy. Williams gave a history of Veterans Day. He also thanked Tony DiLeo of Darlington for bird-dogging the county to hang the portrait in the courthouse.
James Elliott Williams Jr. said, “We (the Williams’ family) appreciate all of you coming out today to honor my father. I know he would be so proud of this honor.”
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