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 Captain William A. Cottrell, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C aircraft commander in Southeast Asia on 12 August 1967. On that date, Captain Cottrell flew a mission against three active anti-aircraft gun positions located in a strategic position in North Vietnam. In the face of intense ground fire he successfully delivered his ordnance on target silencing the gun positions. This superior demonstration of professionalism and aerial teamwork eliminated a significant link in North Vietnam’s air defense network thereby providing greater safety for continued air operations in the area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cottrell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.