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 Major William James Leonard King (AFSN: FV-3036616), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Aircraft with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action on 15 September 1967, over North Vietnam. On that date, Major King was a member of a flight ordered to strike a heavily defended railroad bridge located thirty-four miles from Hanoi. In spite of adverse weather and intense anti-aircraft fire, Major King acquired the target and initiated his attack. Although his aircraft immediately received severe battle damage from the intense fire, Major King pressed the attack and accurately released his bombs on the target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major King has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 James Leonard King (AFSN: FV-3036616), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Aircraft with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action on 27 October 1967, over North Vietnam. On that date, Major King led his flight of four F-105 aircraft on a mission against a strategically important railroad bridge near Hanoi. Despite great personal risk, he led his flight through attacks by hostile aircraft, an intense barrage of surface-to-air missiles, and accurate anti-aircraft fire which damaged his aircraft, to accurately bomb his assigned target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major King has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.