William F. Osborne

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major William F. Osborne, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy on 3 May 1951 as a Fighter Pilot. On that date, leading his flight of four F-80 type aircraft through adverse weather conditions and rugged mountainous terrain, Major Osborne located a large concentration of enemy troops and supplies in an almost inaccessible area near Inje, Korea. The area was surrounded by numerous anti-aircraft gun positions. While on his first attack strafing and dropping napalm, Major Osborne’s aircraft was severely damaged by a direct hit. In spite of the damage, Major Osborne continued to press the attack, making several more strafing runs and leaving the target only after all ammunition was expended. While still behind the enemy line his aircraft started to burn and the engine failed. He guided the burning F-80 over the front lines and made a successful power-off wheels-down landing on a friendly airstrip. As a result of his attacks, over two hundred troops were killed and many supplies destroyed. Major Osborne’s courage, skill and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.