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 James Elander, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3084657), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Combat Strike Pilot over Southeast Asia on 11 May 1965. On that date while on an armed reconnaissance mission, Captain Elander attacked two tanker type ships in an extremely well defended area. As he pressed his attack he came under extremely heavy antiaircraft fire and his aircraft was hit. Captain Elander, despite the damage to his aircraft and at great personal risk, expended the remainder of his ordnance, inflicting extensive damage to both ships. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Elander reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Major William James Elander, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3084657), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 22 June 1972. On that night, while flying as wingman in a flight of two fighter bombers, Major Elander directed his aircraft in several passes on a segment of a heavily defended route structure. Despite the hazardous night environment and menacing anti-aircraft fire, his accurate ordnance delivery resulted in the destruction of two supply vehicles which caused numerous secondary explosions and fires. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Elander reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1972 – March 1973
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 Major William James Elander, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3084657), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 1972 to March 1973. 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:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 5, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Major William James Elander, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3084657), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 5, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.