The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William L. Fornes (AFSN: AO-1862639), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet Fighter-Bomber of the 69th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 6 August 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Fornes flew as number two wingman in a flight of four F-84 aircraft briefed to bomb a railroad bridge and make rail cuts in the area near the town of Sap-yong, North Korea. After completing the attack in which Lieutenant Fornes damaged one span of bridge and made one rail cut, the flight was returning to base when they were attacked by enemy MiG-15 type aircraft. Under attack they were unable to maintain flight integrity and were scattered; however, Lieutenant Fornes completed a vicious attack on one of the MiG despite the formidable opposition, scoring hits which set the MiG aflame. Through his keen flying ability, high personal courage in the face of the enemy and exemplary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Fornes reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.