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 (Field Artillery) William J. Rhein (ASN: 0-1175555), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period from 5 August 1944 to 8 August 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Rhein was a liaison pilot for the 343d Field Artillery Battalion, part of the task force which spearheaded the drive of the 90th Infantry Division on Mayenne and Le Mans, France. In order to remain in the air for long periods of time, he landed in fields along the route of the column without prior ground reconnaissance. By refueling on these fields and not returning to his base, valuable time was gained for observation purposes. On 5 August 1944, he adjusted and scored a direct hit on a German 88-mm. gun and the exploding 88-mm. ammunition near the gun materially aided our infantry in taking the bridge. On 6 and 7 August 1944, he adjusted the fire on tanks and self-propelled guns ahead of the reconnaissance elements and infantry. His continuous reports on the progress of the leading elements of the column to the task force commander materially aided and speeded the advance of the column. On 8 August 1944, he observed and adjusted fire during a heavy down pour of rain. First Lieutenant Rhein’s outstanding accomplishments reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.