AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-6A Intruder

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant David Ray Woodrell, United States Naval Reserve for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron FIFTY-TWO embarked in USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63). On the evening of 21 April 1972, Lieutenant Woodrell executed a single plane low level strike against an enemy surface-to-air missile site located at Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam. Despite extremely poor weather conditions, intense anti-aircraft artillery fire and surface-to-air missile threat indications, he delivered all ordnance on target, rendering it useless to the enemy and providing the needed protection for the massive B-52 strike which followed. Lieutenant Woodrell's professional skill and exemplary courage in the face of formidable enemy opposition reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of the second Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant David Ray Woodrell United States Navy for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron FIFTY-TWO embarked in USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63). In darkness on the evening of 21 September 1972, Lieutenant Woodrell conducted a single plane, low level all weather attack against the heavily defended Bac Giang transshipment point, located northeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Undaunted by intense concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery fire and surface-to-air missile radars tracking his aircraft, he skillfully executed a devastating bombing attack resulting in six large secondary explosions and four sustained fires. His courageous efforts were instrumental in interdicting the enemy's flow of war materials. Lieutenant Woodrell's superb airmanship, exemplary courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.