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) William P. Laney, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a B-25 type aircraft of the 486th Bombardment Squadron, 340th Bombardment Group, TWELFTH Air Force. On 9 June 1944, Lieutenant Laney flew as flight leader in a formation attacking a railroad bridge near Orviete, Italy. Upon the commencement of the bomb run, shell fragments from intense anti-aircraft fire heavily damaged his aircraft. Courageously maintaining his crippled plane in lead position in the face of this accurate barrage, Lieutenant Laney guided his flight on a perfect run over the objective, thereby enabling the B-25’s to release their bombs with devastating effect upon this vital bridge. On more than fifty combat missions, his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.