The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then First Lieutenant] William C. Norris (AFSN: 0-40754), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 August 1951. As squadron leader in a flight of eighteen F-51 type aircraft, Captain Norris displayed outstanding leadership and airmanship when he led his squadron through low hanging clouds and intermittent rain showers directly to the target area at Chongju, deep within North Korea, where he and his squadron made a series of destructive attacks using bombs, rockets, and machine guns on marshalling yards, railway cars, and petroleum, oil, and lubricant storage areas in that heavily defended city. Captain Norris so skillfully planned the mission for the entire squadron that when adverse weather conditions precluded making the attacks as briefed, an alternate plan of attack was executed with minimum delay which resulted in optimum damage being inflicted on the target. Throughout these attacks, Captain Norris displayed outstanding leadership by directing other aircraft on strategic targets which led to the total destruction of twenty railway cars, two petroleum, oil, and lubricant storage areas, and the rails in the railway yards in this important transportation center. As a result of this mission, vital fuels needed for transportation of supplies to front line areas were denied the enemy plus the destruction of an important link in his communications which greatly reduced his offensive potential. By his high personal courage, devotion to duty, and exceptional leadership, Captain Norris has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.