AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  F-117A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel William B. O'Connor for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-117A Stealth Fighter Pilot, 8th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 31st Expeditionary Operations Group, 31st Air Expeditionary Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, over the Former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, on 14 April 1999. On that date, Colonel O'Connor executed one of several coordinated strike missions deep into the heart of the Serbian integrated air defense system. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel O'Connor prosecuted his attack and braved a barrage of surface-to-air missile launches and anti-aircraft artillery fire. Despite the presence of intense enemy air defense activity directed at his aircraft, Colonel O'Connor executed a highly successful attack resulting in the precision-guided weapon destroying the target. Colonel o'Connor's flawless aerial skill and coolness under pressure while attacking a key Serbian military facility directly contributed to the historic success of the Operation Allied Force air campaign. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel O'Connor reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.