AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  AC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant William L. Cotton for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 gunship Aerial Gunner over Southeast Asia on 28 January 1970. On that date, while on a night reconnaissance mission over hostile supply trails leading to South Vietnamese cities, Sergeant Cotton's actions aided in the destruction of 13 hostile vehicles while severely damaging three others. Despite total darkness and violent maneuvers made to avoid the intense and accurate anti-aircraft gunfire directed against his aircraft, he continuously loaded the high-explosive ordnance and repaired the delicate firing mechanism of the gunship's weapon system. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Cotton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant William L. Cotton for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aerial Gunner in Southeast Asia on 7 April 1970. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over supply trails leading to South Vietnamese cities, his actions led to the destruction of 20 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of 43 secondary fires. Despite the heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he dealt an extremely heavy blow to the material system of the opposing forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant William L. Cotton for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aerial Gunner in Southeast Asia on 4 May 1970. While on a night armed reconnaissance mission over hostile supply trails leading to South Vietnamese cities, his actions led to the destruction of 16 supply vehicles and the ignition of 17 secondary fires and explosions. No greater service can be rendered than that of interdicting munitions and supplies meant for use against the friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Cotton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.