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 Staff Sergeant William L. Crawford, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a HH-43F Helicopter Flight Engineer of the 38th Aero Space Rescue and Recovery Squadron in action near Nam Can, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 November 1967. On that date, Sergeant Crawford subjected himself to hostile fire while engaged in the rescue of two American pilots and one wounded Vietnamese from a beleaguered government outpost. With complete disregard for his own personal safety Sergeant Crawford left his aircraft to aid the personnel while numerous mortar rounds, aimed at the outpost and the helicopter, were exploding in close proximity to the rescue aircraft. Sergeant Crawford’s courage and initiative under the extremely hazardous conditions were paramount in the expeditious accomplishment of the rescue. This perilous rescue and evacuation of the American pilots helped deter the hostile forces from intensifying their attack against the outpost, thus preventing further casualties. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Crawford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.