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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 First Lieutenant William Alexander Kownacki (AFSN: FV-3151601), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an RF-4C Navigator in the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam on 26 October 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Kownacki displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of First Lieutenant Kownacki to attain the objective against a formidable defense is in accord to the highest military standards. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Kownacki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 17, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-226 (January 19, 1968)

    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 First Lieutenant William Alexander Kownacki (AFSN: FV-3151601), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an RF-4C Navigator in the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam on 17 September 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Kownacki displayed outstanding aerial competence and professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of Lieutenant Kownacki to obtain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Kownacki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-424 (February 7, 1968)

    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 First Lieutenant William Alexander Kownacki (AFSN: FV-3151601), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a RF-4C Navigator over North Vietnam, on 3 October 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Kownacki displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of Lieutenant Kownacki to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Kownacki reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.