AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  P-38

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant William E. Shannon for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations as a pilot of a P-38 type aircraft. On 2 April 1944, Lieutenant Shannon led his flight as escort to heavy bombardment aircraft on a vital mission over Austria. As the bombers came into the target, they were attacked by a formation of fifteen (15) enemy fighters, during which Lieutenant Shannon’s entire squadron dove to intercept the enemy, succeeding in completely disrupting the attack and destroying one (1) of the enemy fighters. As Lieutenant Shannon climbed to regain altitude from this engagement he sighted another formation of twelve (12) enemy aircraft in a position of advantage and making ready to attack the bombers. With only his flight of three (3), Lieutenant Shannon immediately flew into the overwhelming numbers of enemy fighters, and, in a brilliant and decisive engagement the P-38’s shot down three (3) of these aircraft without loss to themselves. Lieutenant Shannon observed one (1) enemy fighter closing in on the bombers, but attacking immediately, he destroyed this enemy aircraft. He then led and directed his flight so that two (2) additional hostile aircraft were destroyed and the remainder of the enemy formation fled. Lieutenant Shannon played an important role in the destruction of twelve (12) enemy aircraft by his squadron on this vital mission, and, by his steadfast devotion to duty, superior leadership and skill as a combat pilot, together with his splendid record of thirty-seven (37) sorties against the enemy, Lieutenant Shannon has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.