Meritorious Service Record

In late December 1941, Jay Jerome Williams, along with John W. Staggers, visited Salisbury of the U.S. State Department’s Far Eastern Bureau to urge the recognition of the Korean Provisional Government and Korean participation in the war.
On June 4, 1941, the State Council of the Korean Provisional Government in Chongqing established the Korean Diplomatic Commission in Washington, D.C., appointing Syngman Rhee as its chairman to strengthen diplomatic efforts with the United States. On January 16, 1942, Rhee organized the Korean-American Council, aiming to secure American support for Korean independence and the recognition of the Provisional Government through lobbying and publicity campaigns.
Williams, a journalist and operator of the INC news agency, served as the treasurer of the Korean-American Council and managed public relations and propaganda on behalf of the organization.
On January 9, 1942, he co-signed a letter with Frederick Brown Harris and John W. Staggers to the U.S. Secretary of State, advocating for Korea’s independence and the recognition of the Korean Provisional Government. On February 4, 1942, he co-signed another letter to U.S. Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, emphasizing the necessity of Korean independence and armed resistance against Japan, urging immediate action to relay their recommendations to the U.S. President.
On February 27, 1942, Williams served as the master of ceremonies at the Korean Liberty Conference (Pan-Korean National Representative Conference) held at Lafayette Hotel.
On June 28, 1944, he sent a letter to Joseph C. Grew, Director of the U.S. State Department’s Far Eastern Bureau, introducing Syngman Rhee and discussing America’s responsibility toward Korea, requesting Grew’s signature on a petition in support of Korea.
In addition to his diplomatic activities, Williams managed the finances of the Korean-American Council and worked as a close advisor to Syngman Rhee, playing a key role in publicizing Korea’s independence efforts.
On April 16, 1949, he visited Korea at the invitation of President Syngman Rhee.
In 1950, the South Korean government awarded Jay Jerome Williams the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Independence Medal) in recognition of his contributions to Korea’s independence.