Distinguished Flying Cross to be awarded Monday

The U.S. Air Force will award the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor posthumously to World War II Veteran Capt. William S. Norred at a ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 13 at the Butler County Commission Office in Greenville.

Doris Norred, the wife of Norred, will receive the award from Lt. Gen. Allen G. Peck, Commander of Air University. During the ceremony, Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon will also present a memorial certificate to Mrs. Norred on behalf of the city.

Norred is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor for heroism while participating in aerial flight during WWII.

On June 15, 1943, while serving as both a flight leader and formation commander of a B-26 bomber squadron, Norred was leading a mission over Rizzo Airdrome in Sicily when his plane was damaged by intense anti-aircraft fire. Masterfully keeping his B-26 under control, Norred led his formation through evasive action and completed a devastating bombardment of his target. Shortly thereafter, 12 enemy fighters attacked the unescorted bombers, but Norred skillfully outmaneuvered them and five of the hostile aircraft were destroyed.

Before his death in August 2008, the Butler County Veterans Service Office contacted the Air Force to request a review of Norred’s military service records to determine his eligibility for the DFC based on documentation in his military service records that described his heroism almost 66 years ago. The Air Force awarded the DFC with Valor to Norred December 10, 2008.