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 Lieutenant Colonel William Walter Conlee (AFSN: AO-3083793), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronics Warfare Officer of the 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, on 18 December 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Conlee while flying on a high priority bombing mission against a vital military target in North Vietnam had to penetrate intense and sophisticated hostile defenses to deliver his ordnance to the target. Although numerous surface-to-air missiles were launched at his aircraft, Lieutenant Colonel Conlee successfully countered and neutralized those threats enabling his crew to release their ordnance and safely egress from the high threat area. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Conlee reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel William Walter Conlee (AFSN: AO-3083793), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronics Warfare Officer of the 20th Bombardment Squadron, in action over Southeast Asia on 21 December 1972. On that date, Colonel Conlee participated in high-priority bombing missions against vital military targets in heavily-defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the intensity of the hostile defensive reactions and the great threat posed by it, Colonel Conlee displayed extraordinary courage, a remarkable ability to perform under stress and a willingness to place mission requirements above his own safety as he successfully countered and neutralized those threats, thereby enabling his crew to release their ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Conlee reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.