AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  RB-57

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William L. Reeder for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerail flight as an RB-57 pilot in Southeast Asia on 3 June 1967. On that date, Major Reeder was assigned two priority tactical reconnaissance targets in a known high-threat area in Western I Corps. Though weather was marginal, Major Reeder accomplished the first target and proceeded to the second. Weather had deteriorated to the point that planned photographic coverage of the area was impossible. Descending through heavy weather, Major Reeder made a target run at 350 knots and immediately started to receive heavy automatic weapons fire. Despite the fact that the aircraft was under fire during the entire target run, Major Reeder continued on line until low cloud ceilings forced him even lower. Breaking off target, he circled and though still under fire, immediately elected to return and attempted to gain target coverage at minimum altitude. Disregarding his own safety, Major Reeder once again descended through heavy clouds and re-entered the mountain pass at 1000 feet and 420 knots. With great courage and skill, Major Reeder braved continued automatic weapons fire and directed his aircraft through the hostile area to get complete target coverage. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Reeder reflect great credit upon himself and the United Statea Air Force.