The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William David Beekman (AFSN: FR-3196011), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron at DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia on 24 June 1972. On that date, Captain Beekman attacked a hostile aircraft interceptor and forced the interceptor to disengage an attack on his flight lead. Despite extremely heavy and accurate antiaircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, Captain Beekman, with complete disregard for his personal safety, effectively neutralized the attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Beekman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.