David H. Williams

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to David H. Williams, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as the Electronics Warfare Officer for the leader of an F-105 Thunderchief flight attacking a vital military target in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, with his aircraft hit and burning, Captain Williams exhibited the highest order of courage as he continued to guide his pilot through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire to attack and destroy a hostile surface-to-air missile complex that was threatening a large F-105 strike force. With his aircraft still in flames he assisted his pilot in initiating rescue efforts for a wingman down in the target area. Captain Williams then constantly provided positions as the pilot flew the crippled aircraft 300 miles to a skillful emergency landing. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Williams reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.