Craig Williams Biography

Craig Williams School was named in honor of Craig E. Williams and as a memorial to the American men and women who fell in battle in Vietnam with the hope that their sacrifices in defense of freedom will not need to be offered again.  With this action, the Board of Education recognized the sacrifices and contributions of all men and women who have served their country in the armed services. 

Craig Emery Williams was a typical, all-American young man who died in Vietnam on March 6, 1969, when he deliberately placed himself in the line of Viet Cong fire in an attempt to save one of his wounded companions.  He was buried with full military honors at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier and was posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal by the United States Army.

Craig Williams was born April 26, 1947, at Long Beach Community Hospital, the son of Henry and Barbara Williams.  He was 21 years of age when he lost his life.  Craig received his elementary and high school education in the schools of the Bellflower Unified School District.  He attended Thomas Jefferson School, Roosevelt Junior High School, and graduated from Mayfair High School in 1965.  Craig continued his education at Cerritos College and at California State University, Fullerton.

Craig Emery Williams was drafted into armed service for his country in August 1968.  After completing his basic training at Fort Ord, California, he went to Vietnam in December 1968.

Craig Williams School opened for the first time on September 8, 1987, with an enrollment of approximately 560 students.  A formal rededication of the school was held on October 20, 1987, at which time Craig’s father, Henry (Tex) Williams, his sister Leah, and other family members, along with childhood friends, members of various veterans’ organizations, and the community joined to rededicate this school in honor of Craig Emery Williams.