The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William David Beekman (AFSN: FR-3196011), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement 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 22 May 1972. On that date, Captain Beekman attacked a heavily defended truck park and storage area. Despite extremely heavy antiaircraft fire, Captain Beekman destroyed several trucks and caused numerous secondary explosions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Beekman reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 24, 1972 – March 28, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain William David Beekman (AFSN: FR-3196011), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 24, 1972 – March 28, 1973
Captain William David Beekman (AFSN: FR-3196011), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 24, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
421st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air BaseAction Date:
June 24, 1972
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.