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 Specialist Fifth Class William R. Libby, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Five Libby distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 July 1969 while serving as a Crew Chief with Company A, 9th Aviation Battalion, on a rescue mission northeast of Ben Tre. When an F-100D fighter craft was heavily damaged during an air strike, the pilot was forced to eject and parachute into an area of known enemy activities. Upon monitoring the call for help, Jayhawk 15, the craft on which Specialist Five Libby was serving, responded so quickly and effectively that it was at the site before the pilot reached the ground due to the great professional competence and courage of Specialist Five Libby and the other crew members, Specialist Five Libby’s outstanding initiative and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.