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 First Lieutenant William R. Gale, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-29 Bombardier, 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, Medium on 27 October 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Gale flew on a daylight-bombing raid on the important railway bridge at Simanju, North Korea. During the bomb run the aircraft was subjected to accurate antiaircraft fire and repeated attacks by approximately 20 enemy fighters. The damage inflicted by the enemy rendered most of the control cables and all gun turrets inoperative. All inter-plane communications were disrupted and seven crewmembers were wounded. Lieutenant Gale made an excellent bomb drop, then damaged two enemy aircraft before his turret became inoperative. Lieutenant Gale then assumed the duties of the wounded Navigator and despite a serious fire in one engine, directed the aircraft to Kimpo Airfield near Secul, Korea, where medical aid was available. His exceptional courage and coolness materially aided in the successful return of the aircraft. Lieutenant Gale’s skill, perseverance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.