The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Army Award) to Major William John Anderson (AFSN: FR-3022614), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Anderson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 January 1969 while serving as a forward air observer supporting combat troops of the Americal Division. A friendly battalion had engaged a North Vietnamese force of undetermined size in heavy fighting. The enemy occupied a jungle village fortified with bunkers and interconnecting tunnels. Major Anderson made repeated low-level passes over the battle area to mark opposing positions and draw fire on himself and away from the friendly forces who were sustaining numerous casualties. After friendly troops pulled back a safe distance, he directed fighter aircraft in bomb, napalm, and cannon runs which devastated the enemy’s fortified defenses and enabled the infantry troops to rout the hostile village. Major Anderson’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit 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 with Combat “V” (Army Award) to Major William John Anderson (AFSN: FR-3022614), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Anderson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 August 1968 while serving as the 11th Light Infantry Brigade’s air liaison officer. Starting on 22 August, a North Vietnamese Army regiment and a main force Viet Cong battalion laid siege to the Special Forces camp at Ha Thanh with mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Major Anderson repeatedly braved a hail of bullets to bring air strikes against the aggressors. A strategic observation post was seized by the enemy on 30 August and three successive assaults by the camp’s defenders failed to re-take the position. Overcoming difficulties in communicating with and pinpointing friendly troops, Major Anderson accurately directed napalm attacks which enabled the Special Forces soldiers and their South Vietnamese allies to take the hill with minimum casualties. Although four helicopters were shot down by the communist’s fire, he continued to inflict heavy damage on enemy troops and equipment. Major Anderson’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major William John Anderson (AFSN: FR-3022614), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Controller in Southeast Asia on 18 May 1968. On that date, Major Anderson arrived on location to find a friendly unit pinned down by aggressor firing positions. He advised the ground command of his attack plan and recommended that he moved his elements, under cover of the airstrike, to a new location and set up a blocking force. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Anderson pressed his attack marking each separate target for the fighters. The friendly ground elements began their move as planned without interference. Major Anderson remained directly over the friendly units in order to direct the airpower in close proximity to friendly units and also observe their movements. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Anderson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.