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 First Lieutenant William John Reich, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer over hostile territory on 7 April 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Reich was lead Weapon Systems Officer of a flight of two F-4D Tactical Fighters that struck anti-aircraft artillery positions that were firing upon the gunship they were escorting. Despite the hazards of dive bombing in mountainous terrain at night, Lieutenant Reich’s outstanding navigation and crew coordination resulted in the complete destruction of the hostile gun positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Reich reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 11, 1972 – March 28, 1973
First Lieutenant William John Reich, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 11, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 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 First Lieutenant William John Reich, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 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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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 with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant William John Reich, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapons Systems Officer over hostile territory on 8 May 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Reich participated in a flight of four F-4D Tactical Fighters on a mission to protect allied aircraft that were striking targets deep in the heart of hostile territory. Disregarding his own personal safety, Lieutenant Reich aggressively engaged a superior number of aircraft and greatly aided the flight leader who destroyed one of the hostile interceptors. The remaining hostile aircraft then broke off their attack, allowing the friendly aircraft to strike the targets without opposition. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Reich reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.