The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William J. Noel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronic Warfare Officer, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, on 20 December 1972. On that date, Captain Noel was flying on a high priority mission against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite the hazards presented by numerous surface-to-air missiles, Captain Noel assisted the crew in releasing their ordnance precisely on target and safely egressing from the high threat area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Noel reflect great credit upon himself and 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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William J. Noel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronic Warfare Officer at U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, from 21 December to 29 December 1972. During that period, Captain Noel flew five night bombing missions against heavily defended, vital military targets in North Vietnam. Despite hostile fighter interceptors, numerous surface-to-air missiles, and high caliber anti-aircraft artillery, Captain Noel, with complete disregard for his personal safety, penetrated these defenses and released his ordnance precisely on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Noel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.