AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AH-1G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Woody F. Gilliland for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 24 November 1970, Captain Gilliland launched as Section Leader of a flight of two AH-1G Cobra helicopters assigned the mission of supporting the emergency medical evacuation of eight casualties from a Marine company which had become heavily engaged in combat with a large hostile force shortly after it had been inserted into a sector of Antenna Valley in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he found that rain, mist, and a ceiling as low as fifty feet above the ground would severely restrict visibility and his area of maneuverability and was informed that the wounded Marines were located at three different pick-up sites along a river bed in a narrow, twisting ravine. Undaunted by the constant threat of enemy fire and the difficulty of maneuvering his gunship in the confined area, he led a CH-46 transport helicopter into the hazardous area and boldly positioned his Cobra between the transport and the entrenched enemy as he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to provide cover while escorting the extraction aircraft to each of the pick-up sites. Although hostile fire was encountered only after the last of the casualties were embarked, he ably provided cover which enabled the transport to depart the dangerous area and proceed to the nearest medical facility. Captain Gilliland’s courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.