AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Ensign William G. Sizemore, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot of an Attack Bomber in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY FIVE, attached to the U.S.S. Princeton (CV-37), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 27 April 1951. Despite extremely hazardous instrumental conditions existing throughout the Chunchon area, Ensign Sizemore led his flight to the assigned ground controller and took under attack an enemy force estimated at regimental strength. In the face of heavy ground fire which damaged three of the planes in his flight, resulting in the infliction of an estimated five hundred casualties on the entrenched enemy troops. During the hour-long attack, a friendly armored column was able to move to a more strategic position without further losses. By his outstanding airmanship, courage, and devotion to duty, Ensign Sizemore upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of the SECOND DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Commander William G. Sizemore, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight on 22 December 1965 while serving with Attack Squadron NINETY -THREE, embarked in USS ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). After playing a major role in the planning stages, Commander Sizemore led the third division of A4C aircraft in the successful strike group against the heavily-defended and highly-strategic Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant. Despite adverse weather and unfamiliar mountainous terrain, and in the face of antiaircraft fire of greater intensity and more widely dispersed than expected, his division delivered all ordnance on target precisely as planned. Commander Sizemore's outstanding leadership, exceptional competence and courage in the face of grave personal danger, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of the Third DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Commander William G. Sizemore, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight on 23 December 1965 while serving with Attack Squadron NINETY -THREE, embarked in USS ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). As a division leader of a three-plane division of A4C aircraft, Commander Sizemore attacked the highly-strategic and heavily defended Hai Duong bridge, which served as a vital link in the major artery of transportation between Haiphong and Hanoi, North Vietnam. He rendered invaluable assistance in the development of the overall concept of the attack, the selection of weapons and the resolution of the intricate coordination requirements. Upon crossing the coastline, the strike group was immediately taken under fire, resulting in three aircraft being damaged and forced to abort their attack. Commander Sizemore escorted one of the crippled aircraft toward open water before resuming his course on the strike mission. Despite sustained ground fire, missile alerts and MIG sightings, he led his division at high speed and low level over rugged mountainous terrain to rejoin the strike group at the target, where he coolly maneuvered his division so that all bombs were delivered on target. Commander Sizemore's quick judgment, professional skill and courageous actions in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

4.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of the Fourth DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Commander William G. Sizemore, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight on 28 March 1966 while commanding Attack Squadron NINETY -THREE, embarked in USS ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). As strike leader of a flight of eighteen aircraft, Commander Sizemore participated in a highly successful strike on the Nam Dinh railyards, a supply and support facility and communications center in North Vietnam. Instrumental in the highly detailed planning and briefing required for this coordinated attack, he led the large formation of aircraft directly to the target as planned. Despite the barrier of intense antiaircraft fire, surface-to-air missile warnings in the area, and the threat of enemy interceptor aircraft, he calmly directed the attack. Penetrating a barrage of intense antiaircraft fire, his forces pressed home their attacks on all assigned targets, causing extensive damage to the enemy installation. Commander Sizemore's outstanding airmanship, professional ability and courage were essential to the success of this strike and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.