AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William D. Garner for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 14 January 1969. On that date, Major Garner led a flight of two F-4's on a highly successful twilight flak suppression mission against a concentration of antiaircraft sites defending an important hostile supply route. Despite intense resistance from the antiaircraft batteries, he made a series of accurate and devastating deliveries and when out of ordnance used his own aircraft to draw ground fire to aid his wingman's attacks. Through his exceptional airmanship and aggressiveness Major Garner silenced or destroyed several active gun emplacements and significantly reduced the threat to other aircraft patrolling the supply route. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Garner 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 (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Major William D. Garner for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 25 October 1969. On that date, while acting as a night Forward Air Controller, Major Garner executed multiple consecutive low level passes under flare light, intentionally drawing intense highly accurate antiaircraft artillery towards his aircraft on each pass. His complete dedication and his utter disregard for his own safety thus led to the identification and silencing of seven anti­aircraft artillery sites making possible the success of a new interdiction concept. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Garner 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 (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Major William D. Garner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F4D Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 25 January 1969. On that date, Major Garner led a flight of two F4D aircraft on a twilight armed reconnaissance mission against a vital supply route used by hostile forces in Southeast Asia. Despite restricted visibility due to twilight conditions and intense antiaircraft fire, Major Garner attacked with great determination, destroying several supply laden trucks as well as silencing two 37 millimeter antiaircraft batteries. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Garner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.