Citation CSM John S Williams 2 Para April 1965.

Borneo: In the early morning of the 27 April 1965, Company Sergeant Major Williams was in his Company base defended only by the Company HQ, a Mortar Section and weak Platoon of young soldiers, when they came under heavy attack by a force of Indonesian infantry more than 150 strong who were powerfully supported by rocket launchers, mortars, rifle grenade and machine-guns from the surrounding hills.

The position was vulnerable and overlooked, the enemy fire intense and accurate, and there were several casualties. Company Sgt Maj Williams immediately took charge of the defence, controlled the defensive fire and steadied the young soldiers who were defending the base. He then moved round the position with complete disregard for his own safety, attending to the wounded, re-organising Sections to meet each attack and, at one stage, took over a two inch mortar from the wounded mortarman and fired the illuminating bombs to light the battlefield. 

The enemy assault was rapid and determined, penetrated the inner wire and carried a mortar pit.. A quickly organised Section counter attack had several casualties and was pinned down by enemy fire. Williams then ran across the open ground under heavy fire to man a machine gun position from which he could fire into the mortar pit and it was under cover of his fire that the enemy were ejected. 

A second attack then developed directly against CSgt Maj Williams' position and he found himself under heavy fire from automatic weapons and rocket launcher at point blank range. He, himself was hit by splinters and blinded in one eye, the radio set by his side was hit and weapon he was using received direct hits on two occasions. He nevertheless continued to engage the enemy and was instrumental in breaking up the attack that had been pressed with fanatical determination. He killed one enemy soldier, who had a rocket launcher, within a few feet of his post.

He then organised the position, reported to his Company Commander and immediately took out a patrol to attack two more enemy parties which had again approached the perimeter. On his return, he was ordered to lie down and receive medical attention for his eye.

Throughout the whole action, CSgt Maj Williams showed outstanding bravery and devotion to duty, continually moving from one post to another under fire, carrying ammunition, attending the wounded, inspiring the men and setting a magnificent example to all ranks. The successful defence of the position against great adds was largely due to his courage, his example and leadership and his own direct intervention in the battle at every crisis and at every point of maximum danger.