William F. Andrews Second Distinguished Flying Cross citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF CONGRESS JULY 2, 1926 HAS
AWARDED
THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
TO
CAPTAIN WILLIAM F. ANDREWS, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
FOR HEROISM
WHILE PARTICIPATING IN AERIAL FLIGHT
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William F. Andrews, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight during military operations against the armed forces of the Republic of Iraq, on 24 February 1991. On that date, while leading an F-16 flight that was diverted over 100 nautical miles to an emergency close air support mission, Captain Andrews successfully directed his flight and employed his F-16 to support a United States Army Special Forces team that had been detected while operating deep into enemy territory. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Andrews attacked the enemy force that had encircled the Special Forces Team despite heavy anti-aircraft fire. The mission was complicated by very low sun angles just prior to sunset and poor visibility from smoke and dust that made target and friendly identification very difficult. Despite these problems, Captain Andrews delivered his cluster bomb ordnance within 200 meters of the friendly position while coordinating with the Special Forces Team on the UHF emergency “GUARD” frequency. As a direct result of his action, the enemy force withdrew and the Special Forces Team was successfully extracted without casualties. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Andrews reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
One of two pilots awarded the Air Force Cross during Operation DESERT STORM… Also awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses… Retired as colonel in 2010… Died: June 8, 2015