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 Arnold Fredlund (AFSN: FR-25079), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot near Bac Giang, North Vietnam, on 23 August 1967. On that date, while leading a flight of four F-105 aircraft against a vital line of communication, Major Fredlund braved intense and accurate radar directed anti-aircraft fire to successfully deliver his ordnance on a bridge approach, rendering it unserviceable. Upon departing the target area, he selflessly exposed himself to increased hostile ground fire in an attempt to assist a fellow pilot whose aircraft was badly burning. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Fredlund reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
August 3, 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 Arnold Fredlund (AFSN: FR-25079), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 3 August 1967. On that date, Major Fredlund courageously risked his life by flying his aircraft at less than two hundred feet at extremely low airspeeds over hostile jungles and steep mountains in order to maintain visual contact with two fellow F-105 Thunderchief Pilots, who had parachuted into unfriendly territory. In spite of low clouds and poor visibility he guided the rescue aircraft directly to the downed crewmen and was credited with the successful recovery of both pilots. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Fredlund has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1872 (October 30, 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 Arnold Fredlund (AFSN: FR-25079), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 21 May 1967. On that date, he attacked and destroyed an actively firing anti-aircraft site which was a threat to the inbound strike force. His outstanding performance in the flak suppression role allowed sixteen strike aircraft to destroy a very important target without any aircraft being hit. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Fredlund reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1448 (September 19, 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 Arnold Fredlund (AFSN: FR-25079), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot near Bac Giang, North Vietnam, on 1 July 1967. Numerous aircraft have been lost to the extremely intense, accurate anti-aircraft artillery protecting this vital railroad bridge. On this date, Major Fredlund disregarded the intense 85 millimeter flak bursting around him, delivered his ordnance with devastating accuracy and destroyed the center span of this important bridge. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Fredlund reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-334 (January 30, 1968)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 Arnold Fredlund (AFSN: FR-25079), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot near Kep Airfield, North Vietnam, on 13 October 1967. On that date, Major Fredlund led a flight of four F-105s through intense anti-aircraft fire and multiple surface-to-air missile launchings to strike the active MiG base at Kep. In spite of adverse weather he was the first to locate the target, initiating the bombing run for the entire friendly forces group and delivering his ordnance directly on target, rendering the runway unserviceable. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Fredlund reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.