The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William Thomas Whisner, Jr. (ASN: 0-798190/16324A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, on 24 May 1955. On that date, Lieutenant Whisner, with his flight, made a fighter sweep against important military targets deep in Germany. During one such attack against a heavily defended railway junction, his aircraft was seriously damaged. He pressed his attack so close that oil from an exploding locomotive sprayed over the canopy of his plane. Separated from his unit, Lieutenant Whisner continued to make daring strafing attacks in the face of intense enemy fire. His determination to wreak havoc upon the enemy is borne out by the fact that he destroyed the amazing total of ten locomotives, this despite the damaged condition of his aircraft. This outstanding record attests to Lieutenant Whisner’s gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit and skill as a pilot.