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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Willard F. Williams (ASN: 0-764850), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over Licannan Drome, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 1 September 1944 and over Lehug Airdrome, Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 4 November 1944. On 1 September 1944, Lieutenant Williams piloted a heavy bomber to Licannan Drome on one of the first daylight raids over the Philippine Islands. En route to the target three intense tropical storms were encountered, and the turbulence started a leak in the fuel cell and damaged the supercharger controls on two engines of his bomber. He continued with the formation, nevertheless, and reached the objective where, in spite of anti-aircraft oppositions, the bombing attack was made with telling effect. Fighting off enemy interceptors, he left the target with the formation and returned through continued heavy weather to his base. On 4 November 1944, in a strike against Lehug Airdrome, he was an element leader in a formation that was intercepted by enemy planes which pressed their attacks from close range and dropped aerial phosphorous bombs. Evading the attackers, Lieutenant Williams led his element on a successful bombing run which rendered the enemy airstrip unserviceable. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Williams during these flights are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.