The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William H. Beckett (MCSN: 0-24780), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 27 December 1951. Captain Beckett, as leader of a four-plane fighter strike, proceeded to the enemy held island of Sousuap-to. Exhibiting skillful airmanship, he led his division in several low level attacks against a cleverly concealed foe. In spite of intense enemy ground fire, eight junks were sunk and 23 damaged, 24 buildings were destroyed, and a large secondary explosion was observed. Having thus driven the enemy into the open, one hundred and eighty enemy casualties were inflicted as a result of repeated strafing runs, which were carried to minimum altitudes. Captain Beckett’s aggressive leadership and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.