The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant William Ellis Pulliam, II (NSN: 0-340853), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement and gallantry while participating in aerial flight while serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-THREE (VF-193), embarked in U.S.S. PRINCETON (CV-37), on 2 August 1952, while engaging enemy anti-aircraft positions in the Tanchon Area of North Korea. Despite unfavorable weather conditions and concentrated anti-aircraft opposition, Lieutenant Pulliam bore the brunt of a deadly hail of enemy anti-aircraft fire to lead his division of aircraft in a dive bombing and strafing attack against the enemy gun positions. Although repeatedly hit by ground fire, he courageously pressed his attack, personally silencing three of the guns. Lieutenant Pulliam did not recover from his dive and was seen to crash with his aircraft at the target. His complete disregard for his own personal safety, relentless fighting spirit, and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.