The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Henry Murphy, III (NSN: 0-681824/1100), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 19 November 1967, in the Central Highlands, Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Murphy was serving as door gunner and observer of an armed helicopter on an aerial reconnaissance of the An Lao Valley. During the reconnaissance several enemy soldiers were spotted and immediately Lieutenant Murphy took them under fire. During the engagement heavy fire was received from the dense jungle but Lieutenant Murphy, leaning far outside the aircraft, continuously suppressed the enemy. During this action Lieutenant Murphy’s aircraft received numerous rounds and crashed into the enemy’s position. Lieutenant Murphy’s devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Navy.