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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Odell Williamson (ASN: 0-460663), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights on 1 September and 2 September 1944, while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action in France and Belgium. First Lieutenant Williamson was acting as a liaison pilot observer during the time that a long tactical advance was being made by infantry units from France to Belgium. Throughout the operation, he flew his liaison plane in advance of the point and to the flanks of the column, reporting the position of leading elements, enemy troops, strength and installations, condition of roads and bridges, and other pertinent data. At one time, First Lieutenant Williamson noticed that the column had halted, and, without thought for his own safety, he landed his plane in a field and proceeded on foot to investigate. Learning of an attack by the enemy, he immediately took off in his plane, under small arms fire, and informed the column commander of the situation. During the entire progress of the mission, First Lieutenant Williamson was of inestimable assistance. Despite enemy anti-aircraft fire, he heroically flew his small plane continuously in such a manner as to obtain all possible information of enemy installations, and risked his life innumerable times. His absolute disregard for himself in favor of successfully accomplishing such a hazardous assignment, and his heroic devotion to duty, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.