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 Major William Robert McDaniel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot in Southeast Asia on 29 April 1969. On that date, Major McDaniel led a flight of two F-105’s in an attack against anti-aircraft artillery sites defending a well-traveled highway intersection. In the face of over 700 rounds of anti-aircraft artillery fire bursting within ten feet of his aircraft, Major McDaniel succeeded in delivering his ordnance precisely on target destroying one of the sites, thereby allowing other flights in this area to operate virtually unopposed. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major McDaniel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
34th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
June 28, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major William Robert McDaniel, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Southeast Asia on 28 June 1969. On that date, Major McDaniel led a flight of two F-105 Thunderchiefs whose mission was to furnish close air support for the evacuation of a besieged friendly outpost. Major McDaniel, although faced with the close proximity of the hostile forces to the friendly positions, intense anti-aircraft artillery and small arms fire, and extremely low clouds obscuring surrounding mountains, made repeated bombing and strafing attacks against troop and gun positions even though his aircraft had sustained multiple hits on the first attack. Major McDaniel’s courageous and aggressive attacks, against superior odds, contributed to a successful evacuation with a minimum loss of troops and aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Major McDaniel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.