AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Billy W. Putnam for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-five embarked in USS Hancock (CVA-19). On 4 July 1972, Lieutenant Putnam was the leader of a coordinated air wing strike against an active surface-to-air missile site in Southeast Asia. Through superior judgment and planning skill, he was able to inflict maximum damage on the site while providing maximum protection for his strike force from several other surface-to-air missile sites and heavily concentrated anti-aircraft artillery. Leading all of his aircraft through successful missile and anti-aircraft fire evasive maneuvers, Lieutenant Putnam led the strike in a devastatingly accurate bombing attack on the target. Visual reconnaissance verified that the site was completely destroyed and that numerous secondary explosions had been set off by the strike. Lieutenant Putnam's courageous leadership and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Billy W. Putnam for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty Five embarked in USS Hancock (CVA-19). On 11 July 1972, Lieutenant Putnam was the leader of a division of aircraft on a surface-to-air missile suppression mission during a major air wing strike against a petroleum storage and pipeline facility complex in Southeast Asia. Pressing directly into the lethal envelopes of numerous surface-to-air missile sites ringing the target, and despite being taken under attack by many surface-to-air missiles and an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Putnam initiated aggressive attacks on two firing sites. As he skillfully maneuvered to evade the deadly volley of tracking missiles, his wingman was downed. Lieutenant Putnam, without regard for his own safety, visually acquired his wingman's parachute, circled the downed aviator's ground position until rescue efforts were deemed impossible. Lieutenant Putnam's courageous leadership and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.