The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander William W. Brehm, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander, Carrier Air Group 101, while operating from the U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21). On 20 May 1951, Commander Brehm led a flight of seven fighters and seven attack bombers on a close air support mission over the front lines near Yongnae-ri, Korea. He was directed by an airborne controller to lead his attacks on two positions on a ridge and in a valley where an estimated eight hundred enemy troops were dug in and he as informed that a ground controller would pin-point his attacks on certain important locations that were only one hundred yards form friendly lines. He aggressively led his flight in a series of destructive bombing, napalm, and strafing attacks through a withering hail of intense and accurate light anti-aircraft fire. He continued to make attacks until all ordnance was expended although his aircraft was slightly damaged by the anti-aircraft fire. The controller estimated that two hundred enemy troops were killed in action in addition to the destruction of two machine gun bunkers, six trucks and an ammunition dump. When the flight returned from the area and friendly troops moved in, they discovered approximately two thousand casualties as a direct result of the devastating air attacks. His inspiring leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.