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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Douglas Carter, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Bombing Plane during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands in 1942. Sighting an enemy submarine on the surface, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Carter, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, launched an immediate attack and, as a result of his quick thinking, prompt action, and accurate bombing, contributed to the destruction of the vessel. His courageous initiative and aggressive devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Douglas Carter, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in a Scout Bombing Squadron of the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12) Air Group during action against enemy Japanese forces near Santa Cruz Islands, 26 October 1942. In a bold flight opposed by enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Carter pressed home his attack, scoring a direct hit on a large Japanese aircraft carrier. Upon his return to base, he again displayed expert airmanship and courage in shooting down an enemy dive bomber. His skill and gallant devotion to duty contributed in large measure to the extremely heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy.