The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Billy Joe Forrester, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an AC-47 Aerial Gunner in Laos on 8 April 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions made the safe return of his battle-damaged aircraft and a severely injured crew member possible. His exemplary performance insured the survival of both gunship and aircrew, after having directly assisted in the damage or destruction of 21 hostile supply vehicles, the creation of eight sustained fires and the ignition of eight secondary explosions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Forrester reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Staff Sergeant Billy Joe Forrester, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-47 Aerial Gunner in Laos on 18 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail, his determination and technical skill contributed immeasurably to the destruction or severe damage of 32 hostile supply vehicles, as well as the creation of nine secondary fires and explosions. Despite the intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, he performed his duties with finesse and daring as his crew continued to press the attack throughout the night. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Forrester reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Staff Sergeant Billy Joe Forrester, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-47 Aerial Gunner in Laos on 19 January 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, he directly assisted in the damage or destruction of 25 hostile supply vehicles, the creation of three secondary fires and the ignition of seven secondary explosions. Working in total darkness and often being violently thrown about by abrupt evasive maneuvers, he kept the gunship’s weapons loaded and operational at all times, thereby providing a constant source of firepower. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Forrester reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.