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 W. Raitt (AFSN: FV-3029471), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action on 11 August 1967, over North Vietnam. On that date, Major Raitt led a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs against the Hanoi Railroad/Highway Bridge. Major Raitt completely disregarded his own personal safety and flew through heavy 85-mm. flak, evaded four SA-2 surface-to-air missiles and delivered his ordnance precisely on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Raitt 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 W. Raitt (AFSN: FV-3029471), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action on 19 November 1967, near Hanoi, North Vietnam. On that date, Major Raitt was credited with destroying an actively firing surface-to-air missile site which was a threat to sixteen F-105s targeted against a North Vietnamese concrete manufacturing plant. Although his aircraft’s hydraulic system had sustained serious damage from an exploding surface-to-air missile, Major Raitt disregarded his own safety, remaining in defensive formation to assure mission success, and courageously delivered his ordnance directly on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Raitt has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.