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 Specialist Fourth Class William J. Carrara, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 5 September 1969 while serving as a door gunner with the Aviation Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Specialist Carrara was a door gunner on the Regimental Commander’s command and control ship when it was flying in an area where three other helicopters had received enemy ground fire. Suddenly it came under an intensive barrage of automatic weapons fire from an unknown size enemy force on the ground, seriously wounding Specialist Carrara in both legs and his right arm. Ignoring the pain, he returned accurate suppressive fire with his machine gun which allowed the commander to take evasive action and escape further damage to the crew or ship. Specialist Fourth Class Carrara’s devotion to duty and complete disregard for his safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.