Major Wayne N. Whatley. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 30 June 1966. On that date, Major Whatley led a flight of four F-105 aircraft against an extremely heavily defended petroleum, oil, and lubricant storage complex in North Vietnam. By exhibiting extraordinary flying ability, leadership qualities, and personal bravery in the face of intense hostile fire, Major Whatley successfully struck the assigned target, thus contributing greatly to the objectives of his country. Although sustaining hits on his aircraft, Major Whatley, disregarding his personal safety, stayed with his downed wingman and directed a successful rescue operation. . .

Taken from the publication, For Extraordinary Heroism, The Air Force Cross, compiled by Jeffrey B. Floyd, Privately Printed, Alexandria, Virginia, 1982. LTC Whatley resided in Texas.