The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft while attached to Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VF(AW)-224) embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 16 April 1972, Captain Carr was the lead bombardier/navigator of coordinated low altitude night strikes by four aircraft against enemy surface-to-air missile sites located at Haiphong, North Vietnam. The strikes demanded precise planning and execution due to the proximity of targets, limited maneuvering air space, hazardous terrain and night all-weather environment. Despite the firing of six enemy surface-to-air missiles and continuous and intense enemy fire throughout the attacks, Captain Carr determinedly vectored his pilot to an accurate attack which resulted in heavy damage to the designated site. His superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.