The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William S. Harrell (ASN: 0-428495), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Harrell distinguished himself as Commander, 24th North American Air Defense Command Region, North American Air Defense Command, and as Commander, 24th Air Division, Aerospace Defense Command, from 29 July 1971 to 28 February 1973. During this period, General Harrell’s outstanding leadership, exemplary performance and exceptional professional competence enabled him to effectively establish and skillfully maintain a highly successful extensive military force throughout the period of his command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Harrell culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
89th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
438 Troop Carrier GroupDivision:
10th Air ForceAction Date:
December 10, 1943
Headquarters, 10th Air Force, General Orders No. 235 (December 29, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) William Sommerville Harrell (ASN: 0-428495), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of a Fighter Airplane with the 89th Fighter Squadron, 438 Troop Carrier Group, TENTH Air Force in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. On 10 December 1943, Major Harrell, leader of a flight of four fighter aircraft, intercepted an enemy formation consisting of three bombers and five fighters headed in the direction of a strategic and important British base in Burma. Despite adverse odds he immediately attacked the enemy formation. In the ensuing air battle, all enemy bombers and two enemy fighters were destroyed, and none of the remaining enemy planes reached their objective. Although his own plane was riddled with gunfire, Major Harrell pressed home his attack with vigor and determination, being credited with the destruction of two aircraft. The inspiring leadership and gallantry in action displayed by Major Harrell on this occasion reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
89th Fighter SquadronDivision:
10th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) William S. Harrell (ASN: 0-428495), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 89th Fighter Squadron, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
89th Fighter SquadronDivision:
10th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) William S. Harrell (ASN: 0-428495), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 89th Fighter Squadron, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William S. Harrell (ASN: 0-428495), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Harrell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
89th Fighter SquadronDivision:
10th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) William S. Harrell (ASN: 0-428495), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 89th Fighter Squadron, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.