The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Thomas Inderlied, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Fighter Squadron THIRTY-ONE embarked in U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60). On 31 July 1972, Lieutenant Commander Inderlied was the lead pilot of an element of F-4 aircraft as part of a forty plane coordinated air wing strike against a heavily defended ship yard complex in Southeast Asia. In spite of intense enemy anti-aircraft artillery fire and the constant threat of known active surface-to-air missile sites Lieutenant Commander Inderlied skillfully maneuvered his element to the precise roll-in point. Executing a daring dive bombing run, he delivered all ordnance directly on target. As the strike group egressed, it was threatened by incoming enemy aircraft. Lieutenant Commander Inderlied instantly reacted to this threat and maneuvered his element to a tactically advantageous intercept position between the approaching hostile aircraft and the egressing strike group. His timely and aggressive action thwarted the enemy attack and permitted the strike group to egress safely. Lieutenant Commander Inderlied’s aggressive and courageous aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.