(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 to Captain William Ralph Schwertfeger (AFSN: FV-3212942/3797511), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Phantom Aircraft Commander with the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 to Captain William Ralph Schwertfeger (AFSN: FV-3212942/3797511), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Phantom Aircraft Commander with the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest 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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William Ralph Schwertfeger (AFSN: FV-3212942/3797511), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Phantom Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 10 May 1971. On that date, Captain Schwertfeger contributed immeasurably to the success of a strike mission against an opposing armed force, being diverted from his primary target to strike a number of active anti-aircraft artillery sites. Despite accurate heavy fire from the sites, he made repeated passes, resulting in the total destruction of three of the guns and the crews that manned them, as well as a twenty meter road cut in a vital segment of the hostile force’s supply route structure. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Schwertfeger reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Ralph Schwertfeger (AFSN: FV-3212942/3797511), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Forward Air Controller over Southeast Asia on 7 March 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Schwertfeger conducted low level visual reconnaissance along a vital route segment in search of hostile trucks and supplies. Displaying the utmost in bravery and devotion to the accomplishment of his mission Lieutenant Schwertfeger directed the destruction of trucks and damage of one truck, resulting in numerous secondary fires and explosions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Schwertfeger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.