AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OV-10A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William F. Royce for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller to Southeast Asia on 18 March 1972. On that date, Captain Royce displayed outstanding courage in support of search and rescue operations for two downed crewmembers deep in hostile territory. Despite intense ground fire, Captain Royce aided greatly in locating gun emplacements and provided necessary information for the attacking fighters. By his professional competence, aerial skill, and courage under intense fire, Captain Royce contributed significantly to the successful rescue of two fellow American crewman. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Royce 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 Captain William F. Royce for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller to Southeast Asia on 30 August 1972. On that date, Captain Royce displayed outstanding airmanship and professional skill under extremely hazardous conditions on a visual reconnaissance and strike control mission deep in hostile territory. Despite intense ground fire from heavy caliber anti-aircraft artillery positions, Captain Royce directed fighter aircraft against heavily camouflaged hostile positions, destroying one high caliber anti-aircraft artillery place and two medium caliber artillery places with one secondary explosion. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Royce reflect greatcredit upon himself and the United States Air Force.