Extracted from The Panama City News-Herald (Panama City, FL)
Tuesday, December 28, 1943

Captain Williams Wins Silver Star In Africa Service

Awarded For Gallantry In Action; Recently Left England

Captain Daniel E. Williams, better known as Edwin, brother of Mrs. Russell Kersey, 110 Cove Boulevard and nephew of Miss Sally Williams of Millville, has been awarded the Silver Star, it was learned here today.

According to the War Department, the award was presented Captain Williams for gallantry in action in North Africa.

Upon hearing from the News-Herald of the honor bestowed upon Captain Williams, Mrs. Kersey was surprised as well as delighted, as she did not know that he was in North Africa.

``The last we heard which was on Nov. 28, my brother was still stationed `somewhere near London,' ''she said.

The 26-year old officer, who was reared here by his aunt, graduated from Bay High School in 1936. He was associated with Roy D. Laird, head of the Bay County Credit Association, for three years and later attended the University of Florida.

Was Here Mother's Day

Captain Williams enlisted as a cadet in the Army Air Forces two years ago. He received training as a navigator in Texas and was commissioned second lieutenant July 26. A promotion to the rank of first lieutenant followed five months later.

The young officer visited here last Mother's Day. After his leave he was stationed in Michigan for six weeks and sailed for England June 20.

According to Mrs. Kersey her brother has met several of his Panama City friends in London. T Sgt. Glen Myers, son of Mrs. G. M. Myers of 360 Massalina Drive, and Captain Arthur F. Titus, son of Mrs. Irene Titus of Glen Haven and Panama City, are among those he has seen.

Captain Williams, who was formerly squadron navigator, recently received special training "somewhere in England" and became group navigator, according to his last letter to Mrs. Kersey.

Captain Williams is a first cousin of Second Lieut. James Robert Wilson, 28-year-old son of Mrs. C. O. Wilson of 1540 Mulberry Avenue, who was killed in action on Nov. 3 at Bougainville.