Criteria The Defense Superior Service Medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after February 6, 1976, renders superior meritorious service in a ... The Defense Superior Service Medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after February 6, 1976, renders superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility while assigned to a joint activity. MoreHide
Comments RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Chain of Command
Admiral Williams was promoted to the flag rank on May 13, 1975 and assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Military Deputy for Strategic and Space Systems, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E/USDRE), Washington, D.C., followed by his final posting as the Oceanographer of the Navy and Deputy to the Administrator of NOAA, DOC, Washington, D.C.
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Chain of Command
His next assignment was in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, in Washington, D.C., as the Undersea Long Range Missile System (ULMS)(OP-97C)/Trident Program Coordinator, Head Trident Program Coordination Branch (OP-315/-211).
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Other Memories
Admiral Williams was selected for postgraduate studies in Oceanography at the University of Washington in Seattle, followed by a new construction assignment as engineer of the USS BARBEL (SS-580). He then attended Advanced Nuclear Power School in New London, Connecticut, and the A1W Prototype at the Naval Reactor Facility, Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was then assigned to the USS SEAWOLF (SSN-575) and then as Executive Officer of the USS HENRY CLAY (SSBN-625)(Blue). After completing the Prospective Commanding Officer Training at NAVSEA in Washington, D.C., he was assigned as Commanding Officer of the USS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (SSBN-640) (Gold) and Commanding Officer of the USS TECUMSEH (SSBN-628) (Blue). His next assignment was in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, in Washington, D.C., as the Undersea Long Range Missile System (ULMS)(OP-97C)/Trident Program Coordinator, Head Trident Program Coordination Branch (OP-315/-211), and then as Commanding Officer of the USS L. Y. SPEAR (AS-36), in Norfolk, Virginia.
Other Memories
Admiral Williams comes from many generations of seafaring men and was inspired by his uncles to take up a life on the sea. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 5, 1944, at the age of seventeen and launched an amazing career. After attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), he entered the U.S. Naval Academy; via a fleet appointment, on June 17, 1947 and graduated with the Class of 1951 on June 1, 1951. His fellow classmates described him in the "Lucky Bag" as being a sailor from the time of "iron men and wooden ships". He twice skippered the USNA yawl "Royono", including winning the iconic Newport to Bermuda yacht race.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Other Memories
Admiral Williams comes from many generations of seafaring men and was inspired by his uncles to take up a life on the sea. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 5, 1944, at the age of seventeen and launched an amazing career. After attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), he entered the U.S. Naval Academy; via a fleet appointment, on June 17, 1947 and graduated with the Class of 1951 on June 1, 1951. His fellow classmates described him in the "Lucky Bag" as being a sailor from the time of "iron men and wooden ships". He twice skippered the USNA yawl "Royono", including winning the iconic Newport to Bermuda yacht race.
Criteria Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation ... Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation territories in this area are as follows: Italy: November 8, 1945 to December 15, 1947, Trieste: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1954, Germany (exclusive of Berlin): May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955, Berlin: May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990, Austria: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1955, Asiatic-Pacific Area: September 2, 1945 to April 27, 1952. Units performing service in the Korean area during the period of June 27, 1950 to April 27, 1952, inclusive, and which are eligible for the Korean Service Medal, will not be credited with eligibility for the Navy Occupation Service Medal for the same period. MoreHide
Description RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Criteria
The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during the Second World War.
Description RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Description RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, America... RADM Ross N. Williams' awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars for second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, European Clasp, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star for second award. MoreHide
His final posting as the Oceanographer of the Navy and Deputy to the Administrator of NOAA, DOC, Washington, D.C.