Bio: Williams, David (Combat Engineer of the Year – 2017)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Williams

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 13 Dec 2017

Every year, Marine engineer units are required to submit a nominee for the "Best of the Best" for consideration between April 1 of the previous year and March 31 of the current year. This year, Lance Corporal David Williams of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.),  received the honor after a board of similar Military Occupational Specialists met at Marine Corps Headquarters and selected him from the competing cream of the crop.

The award ceremony was in Fredericksburg, Virginia on October 17. Unfortunately, David was deployed at the time and unable to attend the event. His unit was tasked with delivering the award to him.

Now that he is home from deployment, a recognition party shall be held in his honor at Cindy's on Saturday, December 16 starting at 6:00 p.m.

The Award Citation reads as follows:
"For superior professional service while serving as team leader and maintenance NCO, First Platoon, Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. Lance Corporal Williams' skill and leadership were critical to readiness and success of platoon and company. Holding multiple collateral billets, including maintenance NCO, SL-3, quality control, and modifications, he single-handedly ensured the success of the unit through accountability of assigned equipment, education of marines in his charge, and individual actions during the field supply and maintenance analysis inspection. He went above and beyond the basic requirements of his billets by correcting any discrepancies in record jackets and maintenance service requests."

Lance Corporal Williams' proficiency in the medium- girder bridge enabled him to assume the lead for the center crew team during more than 12 builds, including joint bridging, two with naval mobile construction battalions and the British 59 commando squadron. During black alligator 16, he taught classes on the function and employment of M240B machine guns, ensuring the platoon could effectively deploy the weapon systems for local and far-side security of bridging operations. During horizontal construction of a multi-purpose mine lane training pit, Lance Corporal Williams instructed his marines in construction of wooden retaining walls while supervising completion of the project. Lance Corporal Williams' tireless pursuit of excellence and superior leadership reflected credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Naval Service.