The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Patrick Driscoll (NSN: 0-756327), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Naval Flight Officer of a jet aircraft while attached to Fighter Squadron NINETY-SIX (VF-96) embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On 19 January 1972, during a photo reconnaissance mission against Quan Lang Airfield in North Vietnam, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll was the Radar Intercept Officer in the lead aircraft of the MiG Combat Air Patrol Element. He calmly and expertly directed his pilot in maintaining visual contact with the barrage of enemy surface-to-air missiles fired at the section as they passed concurrently through a hail of anti-aircraft fire to engage two MiG’s in the target area. He skillfully maintained a radar lock on the engaged enemy aircraft as the flight progressed at tree top level through the Karst Ridge area of the Song Ca Valley. Demonstrating extraordinary heroism and professionalism, he assisted his pilot in pressing the attack which accounted for one confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed and drove the remaining enemy aircraft out of range of the retiring Strike Force. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll’s 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Patrick Driscoll (NSN: 0-756327), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Naval Flight Officer of a jet aircraft while attached to Fighter Squadron NINETY-SIX (VF-96) embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On 8 May 1972, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll was the radar intercept officer in the lead plane of a section of aircraft on a MiG Combat Air Patrol during a coordinated air wing strike against the Son Tay truck park deep in North Vietnam. He alertly and expertly aided his pilot in aerial combat against a force of three enemy MiG-17 aircraft attempting to intercept the strike force. Demonstrating exceptional heroism and aggressive spirit, he engaged an enemy seriously threatening his wingman. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he assisted his pilot in pressing their attack through a hail of cannon fire from two enemy aircraft in a heroic effort to rescue his wingman. Through his calm professionalism and superb airmanship, he accounted personally for one confirmed downed enemy aircraft and drove the remaining enemy north and out of range of the retiring strike force. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll’s consummate aerial skill, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.