The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel William Hansen Talley (AFSN: AO-3027917/FR-54120), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105G pilot over Southeast Asia on 21 April 1972. On that day, Colonel Talley suppressed the hostile surface-to-air missile sites and radar controlled anti-aircraft artillery batteries surrounding a heavily defended coastal bridge in support of F-4 strikes against that strategic target. In a display of heroism of the highest order, Colonel Talley repeatedly attacked the surface-to-air missiles sites posing the greatest threat to the strike forces and although he had expended all of his ordnance, he remained in the target area, dodging the deadly missiles, permitting the strike force to attack their target and egress safely. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Talley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 3, 1978 – November 30, 1981
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Hansen Talley (AFSN: AO-3027917/FR-54120), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Weapons Systems and Major Equipment Division, Directorate of Contracting and Manufacturing, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, from 3 July 1978 to 30 November 1981. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Talley resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of numerous major contracting programs vital to the defense of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Talley culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Major William Hansen Talley (AFSN: AO-3027917/FR-54120), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot in Southeast Asia on 3 July 1969. On that date, Major Talley led a flight of four F-105’s in an attack against a well defended ammunition storage area. Despite adverse weather conditions, darkness, anti-aircraft artillery and automatic weapons fire, Major Talley led his flight in repeated attacks against this vital area, placing his ordnance exactly on target resulting in the silencing of an anti-aircraft artillery position, five large explosions, three medium explosions and numerous fires lasting hours afterward. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Talley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 11, 1972 – March 28, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel William Hansen Talley (AFSN: AO-3027917/FR-54120), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 11, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel William Hansen Talley (AFSN: AO-3027917/FR-54120), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.