The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Service) William Thaw, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Reims, France, 26 March 1918. Major Thaw was the leader of a patrol of three planes which attacked five enemy monoplanes and three battle planes. He and another member of the patrol brought down one enemy plane and the three drove down, out of control, two others, and dispersed the remainder.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ServiceRank:
Major (Air Service)Batallion:
103d Aero SquadronRegiment:
3d Pursuit GroupDivision:
American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
April 20, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 121 (1918)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Service) William Thaw, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Montagne, France, 20 April 1918. In the region of Montagne Major Thaw attacked and brought down, burning, an enemy balloon. While returning to his own lines the same day he attacked two enemy monoplanes, one of which he shot down in flames.