AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Korea
MODEL:  F-51

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Carl J. Wood for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 13 October 1951. As Flight Leader in a flight of four (4) F-51 type aircraft, First Lieutenant Wood displayed outstanding leadership and navigational skill when he led his flight through below-marginal weather, over hazardous mountain terrain directly to the target area near Hadong-ni, Korea. After reaching a point near the target area, First Lieutenant Wood advised his flight to remain in the neutral area while he made a one-(1) ship reconnaissance to the target to check weather conditions. While there and without the support of his flight, he made a series of destructive passes using napalm, rockets and machine guns on enemy supply dumps, bunkers and troops. He then returned to the area where his flight was orbiting and led them back to the target area where he led them on subsequent attacks on the same positions. Despite intense automatic weapons fire and adverse weather conditions, this officer continued these assaults until all ordnance had been expended and optimum results obtained. He then reassembled and led his flight through instrument flight conditions to the home base. The mosquito controller in this area confirmed ninety percent (90%) effectiveness with ordnance and also confirmed fifty (50) enemy troops killed. As a result of this officer’s superior leadership and airmanship, the enemy was denied vital supplies and troops which greatly reduced his ability to wage offensive warfare in this sector.