The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander William Warren Bowers (NSN: 0-378918), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as pilot of an A4E aircraft while serving as Executive Officer, Attack Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VA-86), embarked in U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVA 62) on 12 September 1965. As the strike leader of a ten-plane coordinated attack against the Vinh Barracks Central/Northeast, Vinh, North Vietnam, Commander Bowers, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, directed a smoothly coordinated attack which resulted in severe damage to this heavily defended target. His leadership, skill and courage were critical to the success of the entire mission 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 Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander William Warren Bowers (NSN: 0-378918), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Attack Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VA-86), embarked in U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62), on 31 October 1965. Leading a division of five aircraft, Commander Bowers participated in a twenty-plane coordinated strike on the Kep Highway Bridge in North Vietnam, a target heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns, automatic weapons and surface-to-air missiles. Despite the seriousness of the anti-air threat encountered en route to and over the target, he led his division in delivering an attack which, in coordination with the other aircraft in the flight, resulted in the complete destruction of one entire concrete supporting pier and all four spans of the bridge. By his leadership and bravery in the face of grave personal risk, Commander Bowers upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.