CPT Christopher Edward “Chris” Williams was born in Washington, DC on September 23, 1965. Chris attended J. Frank Dobie High School in Houston, TX, where he was president of the Spanish club, captain of the varsity basketball team, president of the orchestra, and an All-State violinist. Prior to receiving his appointment to West Point, Chris was recognized with the Good Citizen Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution and honored by the Lions Club. Chris was named a “Trailblazer,” a title bestowed on only a few outstanding graduating seniors. Chris participated in the Junior Engineering Technical Society as well as Mu Alpha Theta and was a member of the National Honor Society. His classmates elected him “Most Dependable” and he was chosen to be “Mr. J. Frank Dobie” of 1984. 

Chris received an appointment to West Point directly from high school. While at West Point, Chris (nicknamed “Willy” by his B-3 Bandit company classmates) was a member of the Cross Country Team as well as the Lutheran Cadet Club. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 1988 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. After graduation, he completed Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK. 

After the basic course, Captain Williams was assigned to C Battery, 3d Battalion, 20th Field Artillery in Hanau, Germany. He served as a fire direction officer and platoon leader, then reassigned as a fire direction officer in B Battery, 3d Battalion 20th Field Artillery during Operation Desert Storm. Upon redeployment to Germany from Southwest Asia, he served as platoon leader. Captain Williams returned to the United States in October 1991 and was assigned to A Battery, 2d Battalion, 17th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, serving as a platoon leader until August 1992. Upon promotion to captain, he was reassigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery until March 1993. He attended the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course from April through September 1993, then returned to the 2d Battalion 17th Field Artillery as the battalion adjutant. Captain Williams assumed command of A Battery, 2d Battalion, 17th Field Artillery on July 7, 1994. 

On July 18, 1995, an accident during a training exercise at Fort Sill, tragically ended Chris’s life. He was 29 years old. Chris’s father, John Williams, acted to ensure that no such accident would occur again to injure or take the life of a service member during range training. The U.S. Army has implemented more rigorous safety standards, and steps were taken with the Air Force to correct joint training shortcomings. 

On April 11, 1996 CPT Williams’ soldiers mounted a plaque on Fort Sill’s Thompson Hill as a tribute and a long-lasting sign that Chris would never be forgotten by the soldiers of the Field Artillery. 

Lieutenant Colonel Monroe P. Warner (commander, 1st Battalion, 39th Field Artillery) penned these words in memory of Captain Christopher Williams: 

Chris was a “professional” in every sense of the term. He epitomized the life of selfless service and, in doing so, reflected his strong Christian upbringing and a deep, abiding faith. I was struck by his commitment to his God, his Army, and his family. Chris thoughtfully listened and considered the opinions of others. He was tolerant. He demonstrated an uncommon depth of intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual understanding. His questions revealed a profound curiosity and on ongoing quest for answers and meaning. Chris gave and gave and gave. He gave of himself at every turn. His giving was genuine and heartfelt, without any hint or suggestion of favors expected in return. His time, his love, his professionalism, his talents, and his resources were gifts from God that Chris showered on others so that all could benefit and be made more complete. If I had one wish for the Army, I would wish that all Army officers would aspire to the level of professionalism demonstrated by Chris. I would wish that all could have his smile, his sense of humor, his zest for life, his energy, but most of all- his sense of duty, his sense of honor, and his love of country. 

CPT William’s decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Southwest Asia Service Meal with three campaign stars, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, and the Army Parachutist Badge. 

Captain Williams is survived by his parents, John and Valeria Williams; his brothers, Phillip and Gregory; and his sister, Janet (David) Ludwig; as well as by nieces, and nephews. 

For every CPT Chris Williams bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to the Christopher E. Williams Memorial Leadership Fund in his memory. The Christopher E. Williams Memorial Leadership Fund was established in his name to provide a college scholarship to one or more graduating seniors of J. Frank Dobie High School, Houston TX. The scholarship is awarded to a Dobie senior who demonstrates high achievement and a personal concern for others, traits for which Chris was so well known. Chris was a courageous leader, a dedicated scholar, a role model, a loving son and brother, a Christian, and a loyal friend.