AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William T. Bridgham, United States Marine Corps, for heroism in aerial flight while serving in Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 1 January 1967, Captain Bridgham launched from Chu Lai Air Base as a Bombardier Navigator aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of three F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned the mission of interdicting a large North Vietnamese Army force located in the vicinity of Hue City. Skillfully navigating the flight in heavy rain to the target area, he established contact with the radar site at Hue, received a vector, and was informed that the target was one thousand or more enemy soldiers moving along a trail leading to Hue City. Unable to maintain the assigned approach because of extreme turbulence caused by thunder showers, Captain Bridgham altered the aircraft's course, established an attack heading and a release point, and directed his aircraft' s ordnance on target with remarkable accuracy. Although his aircraft experienced an electrical systems failure during the return flight to Chu Lai Air Base, he remained calm, and provided navigational information which enabled his pilot to control the Phantom against strong crosswinds and execute a safe landing. Captain Bridgham' s courage, superb professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty in an extremely difficult situation were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Gold Star in lieu of the Second Award) for heroic and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 14 December 1969, Captain Bridgham launched from DaNang Air Base as a Naval Flight Officer aboard an F-4 Phantom aircraft escorting an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned the mission of interdicting an enemy supply route which was heavily defended by antiaircraft artillery sites deep in enemy territory. Arriving over the designated area, his pilot initiated an attack to cover the airstrike of the Intruder and immediately came under intense antiaircraft fire from five separate positions. Undaunted by extremely adverse weather conditions created by a monsoon, the hazards encountered as his aircraft was maneuvered in the darkness over rugged mountain terrain, and the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his Phantom, Captain Bridgham skillfully monitored his instruments and equipment, rapidly computed navigational and ordnance release data, and provided a continuous flow of vital information which enabled his aircraft to elude the enemy fire, break the enemy's radar lock on his Phantom, execute repeated bombing runs, and deliver his ordnance on the target with pinpoint accuracy. As a result of his devastating attacks, five hostile 37mm antiaircraft artillery emplacements were destroyed, thereby enabling the A-6 Intruder to successfully accomplish its mission. Captain Bridgham's courage, superior professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.