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 Lieutenant Colonel William Walter Conlee (AFSN: AO-3083793), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an EB-66 Electronics Warfare Officer, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia on 29 December 1970. On that date, while flying in an unarmed electronic countermeasures aircraft, he was tasked to provide vital support for an extremely important fighter strike mission. Despite numerous firings by heavy antiaircraft artillery and the threat of surface-to-air missile engagement, Colonel Conlee continued to render support until all fighter aircraft had safely egressed the target area. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Conlee reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel William Walter Conlee (AFSN: AO-3083793), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronics Warfare Officer of the 20th Bombardment Squadron, in action over Southeast Asia on 21 December 1972. On that date, Colonel Conlee participated in high-priority bombing missions against vital military targets in heavily-defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the intensity of the hostile defensive reactions and the great threat posed by it, Colonel Conlee displayed extraordinary courage, a remarkable ability to perform under stress and a willingness to place mission requirements above his own safety as he successfully countered and neutralized those threats, thereby enabling his crew to release their ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Conlee reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.