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 to Major (Armor) William E. Whitworth (ASN: OF-114678), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Whitworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 October 1968 while serving as Mission Commander with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, on a reconnaissance in force mission west of My Phuoc Tay. After his Aero Scout Team came under intense fire from a large enemy force which they had discovered hiding in an area covered by tall grass, Major Whitworth courageously led his element in returning fire on the Viet Cong. Realizing a prisoner was needed for intelligence purposes, he made repeated low passes through the fusillade in attempts to locate an enemy soldier who would surrender. Major Whitworth then further exposed his craft to the hostile fire to provide cover as another aircraft landed and seized a prisoner. As the battle continued, the enemy became more disorganized, due to the effectiveness of the gunship strikes which Major Whitworth was directing. He then landed his craft in the midst of the enemy, without benefit of covering fire, and extracted two Viet Cong who surrendered to him. Major Whitworth’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, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 Captain (Armor) William E. Whitworth (ASN: OF-114678), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Whitworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 July 1968, while serving as Aircraft Commander with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, on a reconnaissance in force mission west of Vinh Kim. When his ground forces came under intense fire upon being inserted in the area of operation, Captain Whitworth maneuvered his craft very low over the battle area to draw the enemy fire away from the landing zone. He repeatedly flew his craft extremely close to the enemy complex to add suppressive fire, mark enemy positions, and direct his troops in an effective assault. Remaining over the area in spite of bad weather conditions and a critically low fuel supply, Captain Whitworth directed the operation to a highly successful conclusion. Captain Whitworth’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, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.