William McAllister first served in the Marine Corps in the period immediately after World War II, before joining the Air Force in 1949. He flew combat in Korea where he was credited with shooting down one enemy airplane. During the Vietnam War he was killed in action on April 22, 1965, one month after the action that earned him the Air Force Cross.
Sponsored by:
William
Walter
McAllister
KIA (RVN)
December 14, 1928
–
April 22, 1965
Cemetery:
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Qui Nhon Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
February 11 – March 8, 1965
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major William Walter McAllister (AFSN: 0-1911665), United States Air Force (Reserve), for heroism while participating in aerial flight over the Republic of Vietnam from 11 February 1965 to 8 March 1965. During this period, Major McAllister flew numerous reconnaissance and observation flights, under extremely hazardous conditions and at minimum altitudes while observing Viet Cong activity and directing successful air strikes against them. Although his aircraft sustained hits from hostile fire on several occasions, Major McAllister never failed in his mission. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major McAllister reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major William Walter McAllister (AFSN: 0-1911665), United States Air Force (Reserve), was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Qui Nhon Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
March 9 & 10, 1965
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major William Walter McAllister (AFSN: 0-1911665), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an O-2 aircraft with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Qui Nhon Air Base, Vietnam, in action over the Republic of Vietnam on 9 and 10 March 1965. On these dates, acting as a Forward Air Controller under extremely adverse weather conditions and at night, he directed numerous air strikes in support of the Vietnamese Marines and their three American advisors. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major McAllister sought out targets ahead of the advancing Marines while under prolonged periods of hostile ground fire at dangerously low altitudes. Through his personal efforts, two American casualties were evacuated and the entire Marine unit effectively assisted in obtaining and securing their objectives. He also flew under extremely hazardous conditions under a low ceiling at night in mountainous terrain in an effort to assist friendly positions. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major McAllister reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.