The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William J. Noel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronic Warfare Officer, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, on 20 December 1972. On that date, Captain Noel was flying on a high priority mission against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite the hazards presented by numerous surface-to-air missiles, Captain Noel assisted the crew in releasing their ordnance precisely on target and safely egressing from the high threat area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Noel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 with Combat “V” to Captain William J. Noel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronic Warfare Officer at U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, from 21 December to 29 December 1972. During that period, Captain Noel flew five night bombing missions against heavily defended, vital military targets in North Vietnam. Despite hostile fighter interceptors, numerous surface-to-air missiles, and high caliber anti-aircraft artillery, Captain Noel, with complete disregard for his personal safety, penetrated these defenses and released his ordnance precisely on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Noel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Captain William J. Noel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52D Electronic Warfare Officer, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand, on 31 December 1972. On that date, Captain Noel’s aircraft was engaged in a high priority mission directed against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Captain Noel skillfully used his defensive equipment to disrupt the hostile air defenses thereby enabling is crew to deliver all ordnance precisely on target, despite the launch of several surface-to-air missiles against their aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Noel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.