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 E. Reeter (AFSN: AO-690252), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as Aircraft Commander of a B-29, 372d Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, on 23 October 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Reeter flew in a strike against the key enemy airfield at Namsi, North Korea. While on the bomb run, the formation was attacked by approximately 150 enemy MiG-15 jet fighters. In the ensuing battle, Lieutenant Reeter’s aircraft was severely damaged and he and seven crew members were injured. Three separate fires developed in the aircraft, but with Lieutenant Reeter’s aid and supervision, they were extinguished. Damage sustained included numerous gaping holes in the fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces, severed aileron cable and fuel lines. In spite of his wounds, Lieutenant Reeter elected to fly his crippled aircraft to an emergency airfield in Korea rather than attempt a bailout of his wounded crew members. By remaining in formation, he afforded greater firepower and protection to the other damaged aircraft. A successful landing was made with no further injury to his crew. The courage, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Reeter reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces and the United States Air Force.