AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander William J. Woodward, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-two embarked in USS Kitty Hawk (CVA63). On 10 April 1972 in the darkness of early morning, Lieutenant Commander Woodward conducted a single plane strike on a surface-to-air missile site near Vinh, North Vietnam, thereby silencing the site, creating a diversion for enemy defenses and allowing a massive air strike to hit another target largely unopposed. The mission was executed under extremely poor weather conditions, in darkness and pouring rain and in the face of determined, intense and formidable enemy defenses and surface-to-air missiles. Lieutenant Commander Woodward displayed undaunted courage, superb airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty which 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 great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander William J. Woodward, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a bombardier/navigator of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-two embarked in USS Kitty Hawk (CVA63). On 9 May 1972, Lieutenant Commander Woodward flew as the leader of a division of A-6A aircraft in a highly successful air wing strike against strategic military targets near Phu Qui, North Vietnam. Undaunted by marginal weather and heavy enemy opposition, he quickly located the target and in a skillful display of airmanship, led the division in a devastating bombing attack, placing all ordnance on target. The attack destroyed numerous buildings and stacks of military supplies and left several large sustained fires burning, denying the enemy use of vital war supplies. Lieutenant Commander Woodward's professionalism, leadership and gallantry reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander William J. Woodward, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a bombardier/navigator of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-two embarked in USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). On 15 June 1972, Lieutenant Commander Woodward led a thirty-five plane strike against the heavily defended railroad yard and siding, highway, and railroad by-pass bridge located at Ninh Binh, North Vietnam. Dauntless in the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft artillery, he led the strike force in the successful prosecution of this vitally important target. The attack destroyed numerous railcars and associated warehouse facilities while additionally rendering the railroad siding and both bridges useless to the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Woodward's bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.