Lloyd W. Williams

Lloyd Williams
Born	January 5, 1887(1887-01-05) Berryville, Virginia
Died	June 12, 1918(1918-06-12) (aged 31) Chateau-Thierry, France
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Rank	Major
Unit	2nd Battalion 5th Marines
Battles/wars	Banana Wars *Occupation of Nicaragua World War I *Battle of Château-Thierry (1918)
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Purple Heart

Lloyd W. Williams (June 5, 1887 - June 12, 1918) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps who served and died in World War I.

A famous saying is attributed to Captain Williams, who was serving as a company commander in the 5th Marines. When advised to withdraw by a French officer at the defensive line just north of the village of Lucy-le-Bocage on June 1, 1918, he is said to have replied: "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!" Captain Williams would not survive the ensuing battle, and was posthumously promoted to major and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

A member of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute class of 1907. He was a member of Alpha Company in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. Major Williams Hall was named in his memory in 1957. He is also considered to be the first known person from Virginia to die in the First World War.

References

Bibliography

• Crocker, H.W. (2006). Don't Tread on me: A 400-year history of America at War, from Indian Fighting to Terrorist Hunting. Crown Forum. ISBN 1-40005-363-3. 

Web

• Virginia Tech page on Maj. Williams Hall
• Virginia Tech historical data page
• Lloyd W. Williams at Find a Grave