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Captain Williams’s Pilot, Captain Rowland Smith, received the Air Force Cross on the same mission in which David Williams received his, and Captain Hal Henning, another F-105 Pilot also received the Air Force Cross on that day for actions near Hanoi. In addition to the Air Force Cross, David Williams also earned three Silver Stars. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 6, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1868 (October 30, 1967)

    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 First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronics Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 6 August 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Williams successfully attacked and destroyed two missile launcher transporters, and set off sixty secondary explosions in the target area. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he effectively aided in destroying a potential SAM site near the DMZ. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as the Electronics Warfare Officer for the leader of an F-105 Thunderchief flight of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, attacking a vital military target in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, with his aircraft hit and burning, Captain Williams exhibited the highest order of courage as he continued to guide his pilot through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to attack and destroy a hostile surface-to-air missile complex that was threatening a large F-105 strike force. With his aircraft still in flames he assisted his pilot in initiating rescue efforts for a wingman down in the target area. Captain Williams then constantly provided positions as the pilot flew the crippled aircraft 300 miles to a skillful emergency landing. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Williams reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 12, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1469 (September 21, 1967)

    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 David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Electronics Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 12 July 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from opposing forces, Lieutenant Williams demonstrated great courage, undaunted determination and superior skill in pressing home a devastating air attack against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, his relentless action effectively aided in neutralizing one hostile surface-to-air missile site and one anti-aircraft site. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-66 (January 8, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as the Electronics Warfare Officer for an F-105 Thunderchief of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 3 October 1967 On that date, as hostile surface-to-air missiles guided towards his aircraft, Lieutenant Williams displayed undaunted courage and outstanding heroism by initiating an unprecedented split-second air-to-ground missile duel with a hostile missile complex while protecting a large F-105 Thunderchief strike force. Persevering in the face of danger and death, Lieutenant Williams offered his own aircraft as decoy deliberately causing an attack of eight hostile surface-to-air missiles against himself. In spite of great odds he completely diverted the missile activity upon himself and in addition, succeeded in neutralizing at least one hostile missile complex. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Williams has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 13, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-558 (February 20, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Electronics Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 13 October 1967. On that date, under repeated attacks from hostile interceptors, intense anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, Lieutenant Williams exhibited outstanding courage and initiative while protecting a large F-105 Thunderchief strike force. Pressing the attack into the heart of these defenses, Lieutenant Williams successfully neutralized a surface-to-air missile complex and a hostile fire control radar. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1967

    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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Wild Weasel Electronic Warfare Officer near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 6 November 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Williams was providing surface-to-air missile suppression for a force of sixteen F-105 Thunderchiefs striking a strategic electric transformer station and vital armored vehicle repair facility. Disregarding the heavy missile defense surrounding Hanoi, Lieutenant Williams aggressively attacked and destroyed surface-to-air missile tracking radar and successfully bombed another mobile, well camouflaged site. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronics Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 26 October 1967. On that date, flying through marginal weather at low altitude, Lieutenant Williams displayed outstanding courage and aggressiveness by pressing the attack on threatening surface-to-air missile sites and destroyed several flak batteries. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2092 (November 26, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Electronics Warfare Officer on 31 July 1967. On that date, flying through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Williams exhibited superior initiative and courage as he pressed home a sustained air attack on a hostile surface-to-air missile complex. Persevering in the face of danger and death this officer participated in the destruction of one hostile missile site while suppressing four others in providing security for a major strike force attacking a heavily defended target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    November 19, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as the Electronics Warfare Officer for an F-105 Thunderchief of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 19 November 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Williams led one element of the surface-to-air missile suppression flight in support of a large force in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Braving one of the most intense missile defenses yet to be deployed, Lieutenant Williams assisted in damaging three surface-to-air missile radar, destroying one complete surface-to-air missile complex, silencing three firing anti-aircraft artillery sites, and destroying another firing anti-aircraft artillery sites. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Williams has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    44th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    November 17, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David H. Williams (AFSN: 0-3133822), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronics Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 17 November 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Williams braved bad weather, concentrated barrages of anti-aircraft artillery fire and two surface-to-air missiles as he pressed repeated attacks that destroyed on hostile missile site and damaged radars of three other missile sites and one anti-aircraft artillery site. As a direct result of his actions the strike forces he was assigned to protect suffered no losses in a successful mission in the face of determined defenses. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Williams has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.