Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 4 Line: 30

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF
THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
TO
WILLIAM F. MAXEY

Major William F. Maxey distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 Aircraft Commander over hostile areas of Southeast Asia on the night of 20 January 1970. On this night, while flying a mission of unarmed night reconnaissance, flare support, and forward air control over one of the most heavily defended areas in the theater, Major Maxey was responsible for directing a series of successful air strikes against a convoy of hostile vehicles along a principal resupply route. During these strikes, more than 900 rounds of highly accurate antiaircraft fire were directed at his aircraft, with one of the lethal rounds hitting the aircraft and causing extensive damage. After determining the extent of the damage, Major Maxey flew the crippled aircraft back to his home station, making a safe landing and averting a disaster. The outstanding heroism and selfless to duty displayed by Major Maxey reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.