The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant William Edward Swanson, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during operations against enemy aggressor forces on 11 April 1965. As Section Leader of a flight of A-1H aircraft on an armed reconnaissance mission, Lieutenant Swanson led his flight through towering thunderstorms in heavy rain to the target area. On two occasions he made low spotting passes over the road to identify suspected targets. When he spotted what he believed to be enemy vehicles on the road, he prepared to make a low sweep to investigate further. His aircraft was last observed to be enveloped suddenly by hostile anti-aircraft fire. The plane entered a steep gliding turn, and crashed into the jungle. Lieutenant Swanson’s cool, daring and professional airmanship on this extremely hazardous mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant William Edward Swanson, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during operations against enemy aggressor forces on 28 January 1965. As a pilot in a flight of four A-1H aircraft on an armed reconnaissance and bridge strike mission, Lieutenant Swanson followed his section leader into a steep, dive-bombing attack, scoring a near miss on the target. Despite clouds of dust and smoke partially obscuring the target, Lieutenant Swanson rolled into a second dive and scored a direct hit, severing a 150-foot span of the bridge from its pilings.