Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 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 9 November 1967. On that date, Captain Cottrell led a mission in close air support of “Operation MacArthur”. Repeatedly flying into intense hostile ground fire in complete disregard of his own personal safety, Captain Cottrell delivered his ordnance on the hostile forces with devastating accuracy and was instrumental in relieving a vicious attack upon beleaguered friendly troops. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cottrell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1967
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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.