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.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2452 (August 5, 1971)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 Staff Sergeant Billy Joe Forrester, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an AC-130 Gunship Aerial Gunner over Laos on 2 March 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over some of the most heavily defended hostile supply routes in Southeast Asia, the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, he contributed immeasurably in a devastating attack which resulted in the damage or destruction of 36 supply vehicles. Harassed at every point of the mission by accurate antiaircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, he defied the violent evasive maneuvers and kept the guns serviced and operational throughout the attack. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Forrester has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Staff Sergeant Billy Joe Forrester, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-47 Aerial Gunner in Southeast Asia on 25 February 1970. On that date, Sergeant Forrester was called upon to provide close air support in defense of a friendly outpost which was under heavy attack. Sergeant Forrester’s outstanding airmanship, displayed under extremely hazardous conditions and intense hostile ground fire, aided materially in the breaking of the attack. The aggressive and courageous actions of Sergeant Forrester contributed significantly to the success of this vital close air support mission. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Forrester reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.