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 G. Simmons, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Pilot at Tay Ninh Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 May 1970. On that date Lieutenant Simmons flew an emergency air evacuation mission into this forward operating base to pick up fourteen critically wounded patients. With complete disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Simmons and his crew made a night landing though severe weather conditions and heavy ground fire, to safely evacuate these friendly fighter forces to lifesaving medical facilities. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Simmons reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.