The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander and Commander, 363d Combat Support Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 4 May 1981 to 30 May 1985. In these positions Colonel Austin had a significant impact on the mission capability of the 363d Tactical Fighter Wing and the quality of services provided to Shaw Air Force Base personnel. His tour as Commander reached its peak when both the services and morale welfare and recreation organizations were rates as the “Best” in Tactical Air Command. Additionally, he dramatically increased esthetic appeal of base facilities by monitoring the design and construction of over 14 million dollars in major construction projects, over five million dollars in minor construction projects and over one million dollars in self-help projects. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Austin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1967 – January 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period November 1967 to January 1973. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 7, 1967 – March 14, 1973
Major William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 7, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1, 1968 – January 15, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 October 1968 to January 15, 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 3, 1985 – September 30, 1988
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 770, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, from 3 July 1985 to 30 September 1988. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Austin resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program, and were instrumental factors in the quality and growth of Detachment 770 as it expanded to one of the finest and most productive commissioning programs in the nation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Austin culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
555th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai AFB, ThailandAction Date:
September 26, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1988 (November 13, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while participating in aerial combat against an opposing foreign force while serving as a Pilot with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, on 26 September 1967. On that date, Captain Austin led a strike force whose mission was to destroy a railroad siding along a highly defended line of communication. Prior to reaching the target, the formation was attacked by hostile aircraft. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Austin retained his ordnance, made repeated attacks against the hostile aircraft, and returned to successfully destroy his assigned target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Austin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in air operations against an opposing armed force as a F-4D Pilot on 12 August 1967. On that date, Captain Austin aggressively engaged MiG-17s in the defense of the strike force thus enabling the force to reach their assigned target and successfully complete their mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Austin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1967 – January 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period October 1967 to January 1972. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 15, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda material. Major Austin resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William Redwick Austin, II (AFSN: FR-71588), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in military air operations against an opposing armed force as a F-4D Pilot on 3 August 1967. On that date, Captain Austin led a flight of F-4s striking a vital railroad assembly area. While evading attacks from hostile aircraft, intense anti-aircraft fire, and threats from surface-to-air missiles, Captain Austin successfully interdicted this important military target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Austin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.