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 (Cavalry), (then First Lieutenant) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as light aviation pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division from 22 July 1950 to 9 August 1950, completing fifty combat missions against the enemy in Korea. Captain Maddox flew unarmed liaison type aircraft in the face of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to procure intelligence data about the enemy for the Commanding General and his Staff and made relief drops to isolated American units. He displayed great aerial skill in operating without damage to aircraft from short, rough, improvised airstrips, with strong crosswinds and extremely turbulent weather conditions. Ceilings and visibility often were limited requiring operation at low altitudes with constant risk of collision with other aircraft and of being hit by artillery and mortar shells. He participated in numerous foot, ammunition and message drops to isolated units during various engagements with the enemy, as well as dropping propaganda leaflets over enemy troops to help induce their surrender. To aid destruction of the enemy, Captain Maddox flew missions directing fighter aircraft into enemy targets of material and troops concentrations. Numerous fire control and observation missions were flown. In all missions, Captain Maddox displayed coolness under fire, readiness to accept all assigned missions regardless of risk and a high degree of initiative. His courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.





