Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Major William Guy Bryan (AFSN: FR-46297), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 6 October 1967. On that date, Major Bryan was the leader of a force of twenty F-105s assigned to attack a vital railroad yard deep in hostile territory. Despite extremely marginal weather and heavy anti-aircraft fire, Major Bryan led his force on a devastating attack on this important target. The courageous determination and outstanding leadership displayed by Major Bryan were major factors in the success of this mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Bryan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major William Guy Bryan (AFSN: FR-46297), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 3 October 1967. On that date, Major Bryan bravely continued through SA-2 missile attack and concentrated hostile fire to deliver his ordnance precisely on a vital rail bridge deep inside North Vietnam. He then assumed rescue cover duties for a downed pilot in an extremely hostile area, sustaining major damage to his aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Bryan has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    September 4, 1967

    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 to Major William Guy Bryan (AFSN: FR-46297), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 4 September 1967. On that date, Major Bryan was the Commander of a force of twenty F-105s assigned to attack a railroad siding. With extraordinary bombing accuracy in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Major Bryan successfully attacked and completely destroyed a train and severely damaged the rail siding. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Bryan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    August 21, 1967

    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 Major William Guy Bryan (AFSN: FR-46297), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 21 August 1967. On that date, Major Bryan was a member of a strike force against an important rail yard in North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather, two SAMs and extremely heavy flak, Major Bryan delivered his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy. This day the force destroyed 40 pieces of rolling stock. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Bryan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1967

    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 with Combat “V” to Major William Guy Bryan (AFSN: FR-46297), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam on 24 October 1967. On that date, Major Bryan led a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs against the largest and most heavily defended airfield in North Vietnam. Flying through almost continuous surface to air missile attacks and some of the heaviest anti-aircraft fire ever encountered, he led his flight to highly successful results and dealt a devastating blow to the North Vietnamese Air Defense System. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Major Bryan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 31, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-10 (January 2, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major William Guy Bryan (AFSN: FR-46297), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 31 August 1967. On that date, Major Bryan was Mission Commander of a strike force of twenty F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to strike the strategic Thai Ngyen Railroad Yard, north of Hanoi. Refusing to abort the mission for the adverse weather that hampered his ingress, Major Bryan continued on to the target. Despite SA-2 missiles and heavy hostile ground fire, Major Bryan led the force in a devastating raid, totally crippling the rail yard. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Bryan has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.