The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William Floyd Shaeffer (AFSN: 0-12515A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot with the 510th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations on 17 December 1944. After successfully releasing his bombs directly upon the target, Lieutenant Shaeffer responded to a call from another formation under enemy attack although the severe damage sustained by his aircraft warranted abandonment of the mission. Despite the danger involved, Lieutenant Shaeffer repeatedly drove enemy aircraft from his fellow pilot’s plane, destroying two of the hostile aircraft in the ensuing engagement. Lieutenant Shaeffer’s high degree of technical skill and unusual courage contributed in large measure to the success of the mission and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Air Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William Floyd Shaeffer (AFSN: 0-12515A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating in 1972. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Shaeffer culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Air Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Floyd Shaeffer (AFSN: 0-12515A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded SIXTEEN Air Medals for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
16th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
51st Fighter-Interceptor GroupAction Date:
Korean War
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 410 (July 7, 1952)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Floyd Shaeffer (AFSN: 0-12515A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, in Korea in 1952. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
September 1, 1958 – March 1, 1969
Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 49 (1959)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Floyd Shaeffer (AFSN: 0-12515A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 September 1958 to 1 March 1959, while serving as Chief, Weapons Evaluation Division, Directorate of Tactics and Systems Training, Headquarters Air Defense Command. Recognizing the need for modernization of the Air Defense Command aircrew and systems training programs, Colonel Schaeffer personally supervised the development and publication of realistic systems training designated to better prepare air defense divisions for the successful accomplishment of their missions, as well as the over-all mission of his command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Shaeffer and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
510th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
405th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
April 16, 1945
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 143 (July 24, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) William Floyd Shaeffer (AFSN: 0-12515A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot with the 510th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations on 16 April 1945. Leading his flight on an armed reconnaissance mission in support of allied ground troops in the area of Berg, Germany, Captain Shaeffer distinguished himself by outstanding leadership and tactical combat skill. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Shaeffer successfully led his flight in a series of brilliant strafing attacks which rendered extensive destruction to enemy aircraft on the ground. Under his able leadership the flight destroyed a total of ten aircraft on the field and damaged eight. Through his determination and courage in the face of insurmountable odds, Captain Shaeffer contributed in large measure to the success of the mission.