William Rogers Carter

Colonel, U. S. Air Force

Air Force Cross

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain [then First Lieutenant] William Rogers Carter (AFSN: 0-15796652), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of an OV-10 Aircraft in the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Laos from 6 March 1971 to 7 March 1971. On those dates, Captain Carter flew his lightly armed observation aircraft into a heavily defended hostile area to aid in rescue of seven crewmen. He also directed the pickup of another pilot and was instrumental in the extraction of a team of 97 men. During this 36-hour ordeal, Captain Carter flew over 13 combat hours and directed 16 flights of fighter aircraft. After four unsuccessful rescue attempts the first day, Captain Carter returned to find the survivors out of food, water, and ammunition. Their capture appeared imminent. With complete disregard for his personal safety, and despite intense hostile fire which had destroyed three aircraft and severely damaged four others, Captain Carter strafed the enemy within 15 feet of the survivors. When strike aircraft arrived, he directed them against hostile positions, When his supply of marking rockets had been expended, he continued to direct the fighters by making low passes and rocking his air-craft's wings over enemy positions, exposing himself to a constant barrage of fire. Due to the courageous efforts of Captain Carter, all 104 men were brought out alive. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Carter reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

CITATION: SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant William Rogers Carter (AFSN: 0-15796652), United States Air Force, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia. First Lieutenant Carter's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force.