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 Warrant Officer (W-1) William E. Durham (ASN: W-3154152), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action on 27 November 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Durham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during a mission to support an extraction of a friendly ground unit. The trapped force was surrounded by a superior enemy force and was in desperate need of fire support. Warrant Officer Durham immediately placed deadly accurate fire on the enemy positions. He continued his deadly firing runs until the enemy was forced to withdraw. He successfully supported the extraction of the friendly unit and saved the lives of many soldiers. Warrant Officer Durham’s courage and devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.