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 Captain (Air Corps) William B. Petersen (ASN: 0-421305), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North African Theater of Operations as pilot of a P-38 type aircraft. On 8 February 1943, Captain Petersen led his flight in escorting eighteen B-25s over Cabos Airdrome. With enemy fighters attacking for over thirty minutes, Captain Petersen shot down one ME-109 and through his courageous leadership aided in destroying seven other enemy planes. This effective protection enabled the bombers to complete a successful bomb run on the airdrome. Captain Petersen’s exceptional leadership, and outstanding performance as a combat pilot have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.