MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard to present Purple Heart to WWI sailor

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 11th District PA Detachment San Diego Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment San Diego Office: (619) 278-7025 After Hours: (619) 252-1304 PA Detachment San Diego online newsroom

Coast Guard to present Purple Heart to WWI sailor

WHO: Coast Guard Capt. Joseph Buzzella, commanding officer of Sector San Diego, and the family of Fireman William J. Williams

WHAT: Sector San Diego personnel are scheduled to posthumously present the Purple Heart to the family of Fireman William J. Williams in recognition of fatal wounds received as a consequence of the sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa September 26, 1918.

WHEN: Thursday at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Coast Guard Sector San Diego at 2710 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard Sector San Diego personnel are scheduled to posthumously present the Purple Heart to the family of Fireman William J. Williams, Thursday, in recognition of fatal wounds received as a consequence of the sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa September 26, 1918.

Coast Guard Fireman William “Willie” James Williams joined the Coast Guard in March of 1918 after reading an article in the local newspaper calling for those willing to serve to enlist.

After completing training in New York, he reported to the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa. The Tampa protected convoys from submarine attacks during WWI, escorting 18 convoys, comprising a total of 350 vessels during its service.

On September 26, 1918, the Tampa was escorting a convoy to Wales via the Bristol Channel. During the escort, Tampa's crew became aware of a potential enemy submarine. The cutter was positioned in front of the convoy, where at approximately 8:45 p.m., it was struck by an enemy torpedo. Williams, along with all 130 people aboard, lost their lives.

Media interested in attending should contact Coast Guard public affairs personnel at (619) 252-1304 to RSVP.

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