AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Korea, Vietnam
MODEL:  F9F-5, F-4

Citation:  1.) The Commander in Chief FPO San Francisco 96610 In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief U. S. Pacific Fleet takes pleasure in awarding the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Elmer Royce WILLIAMS United States Navy for service as set forth in the following CITATION "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in action while serving as Commander Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN embarked in USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 6). On 17 April 1966, he personally planned and led a highly successful aerial strike against a key enemy installation in North Vietnam. The target was in a heavily defended complex, protected by intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air guided missiles and enemy aircraft. Commander WILLIAMS planned and coordinated an exceptionally effective attack and then provided an inspiring example of resolute courage and skilled airmanship by flying in the van of the attacking force, notwithstanding the intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire which opposed him, and personally silenced a portion of the numerous gun batteries which defended the target and its approaches. As a result of his carefully and thoroughly professional preparation and his exemplary daring and skill in the face of great personal danger, the attacking force destroyed the key target, silenced virtually all of the anti-aircraft batteries defending it, and returned to their ship without loss. By his skillful planning, professional airmanship, and courageous leadership in the face of great personal danger, Commander WILLIAMS upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."