| Citation: | Italy. Citation for US Bronze Star: ERNEST WILLIAMS, 3629613, Sergeant, Headquarters 181st Provost Company, Corps of Military Police, British Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations in Italy from 15 January to 30 September 1944. Assigned as a special investigating agent to aid the united States authorities at the Port of Bari, Italy, in the deterring of pilferage and theft of United States Government property occuring in that port, both aboard berthed ships and on the quays, Sergeant Williams applied himself to the task with enthusiasm and apt intellignece which soon resulted in an alleviation of the problem. He improvised and organized a search procedure to examine Unites States' vessels immediately on arrival at dockside, which resulted in the recovery of large amounts of Government property, and in apprehension of persons who were guilty of the depredatory acts. In addition, he developed a system of surveillance of stevedores and port-employees from obsucure positions on the ships and quays, which also resulted in the arrest and conviction of many persons guilty of cargo pilferage. During the period of time that he was assigned to this work, Sergant Williams displayed an interest in the security and protection of American property which was far beyond normal expectancy and his conscientious effort towards the recovery of pilfered properties, and the apprehension of those persons who were gulty of the thefts, reflects credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations.National Archive WO 373/148. |
