The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel William Burks Fleming (MCSN: 0-50585), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as the Commanding Officer of Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron ONE, Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 December 1966. As the Flight Leader of an electronic countermeasures mission, Lieutenant Colonel Fleming’s flight was launched in support of a large United States Navy air strike in North Vietnam. Prior to the mission, Lieutenant Colonel Fleming exhibited exceptional professional skill, judgment and initiative in the rapid and precise development of the plan and briefing to support the strike force. Utilizing his plan of operation, he led his flight, the largest grouping of electronic countermeasures aircraft ever launched for a simultaneous effort in Marine Corps history, deep into enemy territory. Operating in extremely adverse weather without use of reliable navigational aids, he skillfully led his flight to exacting initial points, arriving precisely on time with all aircraft. Despite the fact that the strike force was harassed by numerous enemy aircraft alerts and surface-to-air missile sightings, Lieutenant Colonel Fleming courageously remained on station providing critical support until the friendly aircraft departed the area. During the flight, he fearlessly chose the most distant point of penetration for his own aircraft. His exceptional professional skill throughout the demanding mission was instrumental in the mission’s success and the enemy’s inability to claim any friendly aircraft with their radar controlled systems. By his daring initiative, superior aeronautical ability, inspiring leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Fleming upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.