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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Doyle Clifton Williams (AFSN: FV-2223113/18364945), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an unarmed RF-101 reconnaissance aircraft over North Vietnam on 11 July 1965. On that date, while on a low level photo run, Major Williams’ aircraft received a direct hit in one of the fuel tanks resulting in rapid loss of fuel and a hazardous fire potential. Exhibiting a high degree of professional ability, airmanship and courage, Major Williams was able to return his badly damaged aircraft to a friendly air field and land it safely. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1974 – November 1, 1977

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Doyle Clifton Williams (AFSN: FV-2223113/18364945), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency from 19 July 1974 to 1 November 1977. During this period Colonel Williams’ exceptional ability to establish rapport with senior military officials of the Venezuelan Armed Forces enabled him to obtain significant information on military development sin Venezuela of great interest to the United States. Additionally, Colonel Williams’ great skill and ability as a diplomat was instrumental in the satisfactory resolution of an especially sensitive matter in United States-Venezuela relations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Williams culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1966
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-237 (July 30, 1966)

    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 Doyle Clifton Williams (AFSN: FV-2223113/18364945), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 20 April 1966. On that date, Major Williams flew a single-place, unarmed RF-101 Reconnaissance aircraft deep into hostile territory against one of the most formidable defense systems ever faced by air crews. Executing a pop-up maneuver to photograph his first target, he drew streams of fire which poured from the alerted hostile gun positions surrounding this vital area. After departing the first target, one shell from the massive hail of flak ripped into his aircraft, severely damaging his right main wing spar. Not to be deterred, Major Williams proceeded on to the second target, completely disregarding his own safety, and completed his mission with outstanding results. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Williams has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.