The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Billy R. Sparks, Jr. (AFSN: FR-58672), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Wild Weasel F-105F Pilot near Yen Bay, North Vietnam, on 20 July 1967. On that date, Captain Sparks aggressively engaged a surface-to-air missile site while in support of a strike force targeted to bomb and destroy an airfield at Yen Bay. In spite of inclement weather, poor visibility and numerous radar controlled anti-aircraft guns Captain Sparks was so effective in his surface-to-air missile suppression mission that not one missile was fired at any of the fighter-bomber aircraft. His efforts directly contributed to the overall mission results of complete destruction of the construction equipment at Yen Bay airfield with not a single aircraft lost. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sparks reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 with Combat “V” to Captain Billy R. Sparks, Jr. (AFSN: FR-58672), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as F-105 Pilot and Flight Leader over the Republic of Vietnam on 4 June 1965. On that date, after successfully carrying out their primary mission of destroying a key road section, Captain Sparks’ flight was diverted to provide flak suppression in support of a rescue operation for a downed U.S. Air Force pilot. Arriving over the area, Captain Sparks encountered heavy 37-mm. and 57-mm. anti-aircraft fire. Not to be deterred, he courageously attacked and silenced four of the guns on his first pass, relieving the pressure on the rescue operation. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sparks reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Billy R. Sparks, Jr. (AFSN: FR-58672), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief Fighter-Bomber over North Vietnam on 27 July 1965. On that date, Captain Sparks participated in a strike against a heavily defended Surface-to-Air Missile site near Hanoi, North Vietnam. This was the first attack by fighter aircraft on an operational SAM site in military history, and the hazards involved cannot be over-emphasized. Penetrating target defenses on a high speed low level run in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Sparks courageously pressed his attack to inflict heavy damage upon his assigned target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sparks reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 addition to a Previously Awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Billy R. Sparks, Jr. (AFSN: FR-58672), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 7 October 1967. On that date, Captain Sparks displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned target. The tenacity of this officer to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military objectives. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sparks reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Billy R. Sparks, Jr. (AFSN: FR-58672), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Wile Weasel F-105F Pilot near Kep Airfield, North Vietnam, on 17 July 1967. On that date, Captain Sparks aggressively engaged numerous surface-to-air missile sites and anti-aircraft artillery radar guidance facilities in support of a strike against a vital rail yard. Captain Sparks was so effective in his radar suppression mission that not one hostile missile was fired in close proximity to the strike force and his efforts directly contributed to the overall mission, resulting in the destruction of a vital transportation facility. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sparks reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Billy R. Sparks, Jr. (AFSN: FR-58672), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Pilot near Bac Giang, North Vietnam, on 23 August 1967. In spite of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, which made approach to the target extremely difficult, Captain Sparks not only proceeded to attack and destroy two gun-laying radar installations, but remained in the hostile area to render any and all possible assistance when one of his fellow airman was downed by the deadly and accurately tracing anti-aircraft artillery fire. He did not depart the area until dangerously low on fuel and all further attempts to assist the downed airman were deemed futile. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sparks reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.