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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign William Douglas Carter, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an airplane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway on 6 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Ensign Carter took part in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire. By his stern perseverance and resolute devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important objective, he contributed greatly to the destruction of the enemy and to the victory achieved by our forces. His conduct on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.