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 with Combat “V” to Captain William Wallace Butler (AFSN: FV-3133430), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 7 October 1967. On that date, Captain Butler was the element lead in a flight assigned to attack a vital and heavily defended military target. Although his aircraft sustained damage from flak he delivered his ordnance accurately and successful, then went to the aid of another flight with a downed pilot in a rescue effort. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Butler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William Wallace Butler (AFSN: FV-3133430), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 3 October 1967. On that date, Captain Butler was a member of a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned the task of suppressing active surface-to-air missile sites, in support of an F-105 strike force. Despite a direct hostile aircraft attack on the flight, Captain Butler maneuvered his aircraft is such a manner that he successfully launched a strike missile on one of the most active sites in the area. His effectiveness was evident in the fact that no missiles were launched at the strike force during their diving attacks on the target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Butler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William Wallace Butler (AFSN: FV-3133430), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 25 October 1967. On that date, Captain Butler flew in the lead flight on a highly successful strike against a high priority military target. By exacting airmanship the target was heavily damaged without inflicting collateral damage on the adjoining civilian population centers. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Butler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William Wallace Butler (AFSN: FV-3133430), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 6 October 1967. On that date, Captain Butler fired strikes that successfully suppressed the surface-to-air missile sites that were a threat to the main force. His outstanding display of calmness enabled him to maintain perfect formation position and obtain pinpoint target accuracy during the continuous, intense threat of hostile aircraft and anti-aircraft artillery. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Butler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William Wallace Butler (AFSN: FV-3133430), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 20 November 1967. On that date, Captain Butler was a member of a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to attack an important military target in North Vietnam. During ingress to the target, the strike force was attacked by hostile aircraft interceptors. Captain Butler’s skillful maneuvering and heroic actions prevented the hostile aircraft from destroying the lead element of his flight. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Butler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.