The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Naval Flight Officer with Marine Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA-533), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy. On the night of 21 February 1968, Lieutenant Carr launched as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned a bombing mission against a communication installation near Hanoi in North Vietnam, an area known to be defended by heavy concentrations of automatic weapons, surface-to-air missiles, and enemy interceptor aircraft. After the aircraft executed numerous turns and feints to confuse the enemy, he adjusted several malfunctions in his aircraft’s complex electronic equipment and skillfully navigated to the designated target area. Although his aircraft lost radio contact with all supporting aircraft, which increased the hazards from hostile antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Carr continued to monitor his equipment, adjusting failures and providing accurate information to the pilot. Detecting an enemy-launched surface-to-air missile, he observed the approaching weapon and quickly alerted the pilot, enabling him to evade the missile which barely cleared the canopy of the aircraft before detonating. Fully award that the 500-foot altitude, high-speed approach precluded the possibility of a safe ejection if his aircraft were hit, Lieutenant Carr calmly assisted the pilot to acquire the target and commence the attack. Providing accurate information for either automatic or manual bomb release, he was instrumental in delivering all ordnance with unerring accuracy which resulted in a large secondary explosion. Departing the hazardous area, he navigated the aircraft through treacherous mountains to an alternate airfield for refueling and then safely returned to the Chu Lai Air Base. By his exceptional professional skill, unfaltering determination, and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant Carr contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.