Alfred Williamson

Alfred Williamson’s Personal Narrative was derived from information found in public records, military personnel files, and local/state historical association materials. Please note that the Robb Centre never fully closes the book on our servicemembers; as new information becomes available, narratives will be updated to appropriately represent the life story of each veteran.

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Military Honor(s):

Distinguished Service Cross

Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Alfred Williamson (ASN: 1403753), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 370th Infantry Regiment (Attached), 93d Division, A.E.F., near Beaume, France, 8 November 1918. Private Williamson was assigned to duty at the first-aid station, but volunteered to accompany the attacking lines to more expeditiously attend to the wounded. During the advance he constantly exposed himself to the enemy and under heavy fire to render first aid.

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Life & Service

  • Birth: 15 October 1893, Hot Springs, AR, United States
  • Place of Residence: Proviso Township, IL, United States
  • Race/Ethnicity: African American
  • Death: 18 May 1952 Proviso Township, IL, United States
  • Branch: Army
  • Military Rank: Private First Class
  • Company: [MC]
  • Infantry Regiment: 370th
  • Division: 93rd

Personal Narrative

Early Life (Pre-War): Includes general parent information, sibling information, education Toggle Accordion

Alfred Williamson was born to Calvin (1866-?) and Maria (Sinclair) on 15 October, 1893 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the third of four children, Rufus (1890-?), Albert (1892-?) and Myrtle (1895-?). At the time of his enlistment, Williamson worked as a porter in Chicago, Illinois.

Service: Includes a summary of transfers, rank change(s), training, enlistment, and discharge locations Toggle Accordion

Williamson enlisted in the 370th Infantry Regiment in Chicago, Illinois, on 21 May, 1917; Private 1C Williamson and his company left Newport News, Virginia on the U.S. Army Transport Ship President Grant on 7 April, 1918, arriving in Brest, France, on 14 April, 1918. Williamson received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on 8 November, 1918 near Beaume, France;

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Alfred Williamson (ASN: 1403753), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 370th Infantry Regiment (Attached), 93d Division, A.E.F., near Beaume, France, 8 November 1918. Private Williamson was assigned to duty at the first aid station but volunteered to accompany the attacking lines to more expeditiously attend to the wounded. During the advance he constantly exposed himself to the enemy and under heavy fire to render first aid”. Awarded DSC by CG, AEF, December 6, 1918. Published in G.O. No. 46, W.D., 1919.

Private 1C Williamson and his company left Brest, France on an U.S. Army Transport Ship on 2 February, 1919, arriving at Camp Upton, New York on 9 February, 1919. Williamson was Honorably Discharged in 1919.

Later Life (Post-War): Includes post-war education, occupation, marriage(s) and/or children, location and date of death Toggle Accordion

Williamson married Florence (Anderson) (1893-?) on 6 December, 1920in Chicago, Illinois; he worked as a window washer in the late 1940s. At the time of his death, on 18 May, 1952, in Proviso Township, Illinois, Williamson was widowed and had no children.