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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 F. Royce, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller to Southeast Asia on 30 August 1972. On that date, Captain Royce displayed outstanding airmanship and professional skill under extremely hazardous conditions on a visual reconnaissance and strike control mission deep in hostile territory. Despite intense ground fire from heavy caliber anti-aircraft artillery positions, Captain Royce directed fighter aircraft against heavily camouflaged hostile positions, destroying one high caliber anti-aircraft artillery place and two medium caliber artillery places with one secondary explosion. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Royce 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:

    March 18, 1972
    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 F. Royce, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller to Southeast Asia on 18 March 1972. On that date, Captain Royce displayed outstanding courage in support of search and rescue operations for two downed crewmembers deep in hostile territory. Despite intense ground fire, Captain Royce aided greatly in locating gun emplacements and provided necessary information for the attacking fighters. By his professional competence, aerial skill, and courage under intense fire, Captain Royce contributed significantly to the successful rescue of two fellow American crewman. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Royce reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.