AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-119G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas W. Wood for extraordinary achievement as an AC-119G Navigator near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 March 1969. On that date, Captain Wood's aircraft encountered intense automatic weapons fire while providing close night air support for a friendly fire base camp under a heavy mortar and ground attack by a large hostile force. Despite the extreme danger, Captain Wood manned the night optical sight in the open door of his aircraft directing a devastating stream of fire on the hostile positions, causing six secondary explosions, repulsing the attack and assuring the safety of the friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wood reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.