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 Captain James Wesley Williams (AFSN: FV-3192906), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over hostile territory on 16 April 1972. On that date, Captain Williams participated in a flight of F-4D Tactical Fighters on a MiG cap for a large fighter-bomber strike force. Despite the hazards of low level engagements with attacking aircraft in mountainous terrain, marginal weather, and several surface-to-air missiles launched at the flight, Captain Williams was directly responsible for protecting the strike force and insuring mission success. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Williams reflect great credit upon himself and 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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Wesley Williams (AFSN: FV-3192906), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapons Systems Officer over hostile territory on 17 April 1972. On that date, Captain Williams was lead Weapon Systems Officer of a flight of two F-4D Tactical Fighters that struck a heavily defended hostile truck part and storage area. Despite extremely marginal weather conditions and heavy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Williams’ outstanding navigation and crew coordination were responsible for the complete destruction of this important target complex. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Williams reflect great credit upon himself and 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 Captain James Wesley Williams (AFSN: FV-3192906), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer over hostile territory on 8 May 1972. On that date, Captain Williams participated in a flight of four F-4D tactical fighters on a mission to provide allied aircraft that were striking targets deep in the heart of hostile territory with protection from enemy interceptors. Disregarding his own personal safety, Captain Williams aggressively engaged a superior number of hostile aircraft and greatly aided the flight leader who destroyed one of the enemy interceptors. The remaining hostile aircraft then broke off their attack, allowing the friendly aircraft to strike the hostile targets without opposition. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.