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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Laurence O. Woodbury, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight on 20 September 1965 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWENTY-FIVE, embarked in USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), during the rescue operation of a downed U.S. Navy pilot. When an A-4E aircraft was hit by flak, with the pilot ejecting safely into rugged, hilly terrain about thirty-five miles northeast of Haiphong, Lieutenant (then lieutenant, Junior Grade) Woodbury proceeded to the crash scene without the support of fighter aircraft. After locating the downed pilot, Lieutenant Woodbury was detached by his leader to rendezvous with the rescue helicopter which was approximately ten miles from the coast. The only routes available to the crash scene were in close proximity to known antiaircraft sites, village or well traveled roads. Through his superior airmanship, Lieutenant Woodbury threaded his way through these obstacles, arriving safely and expeditiously at the scene with the rescue aircraft. He then took position at altitude in the missile envelope to serve as communication relay and, when ground troops opened fire during the helo pickup, rejoined his leader to make multiple strafing runs. His daring actions in the execution of this successful rescue were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.