The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander David Wesley Hoffman (NSN: 0-659133), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of jet aircraft serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-111), embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 30 December 1971, Lieutenant Commander Hoffman was the wingman in an aircraft assigned as fighter protection for a major air wing strike against the highly strategic and heavily defended Vinh Transshipment and Storage Area. Prior to the arrival of the main strike force, Lieutenant Commander Hoffman’s aircraft was detached into the target area to achieve local air superiority and absorb any missile opposition which would hinder the strike group’s mission. Lieutenant Commander Hoffman, disregarding his personal safety and the imminent surface-to-air missile threat, pressed on to the target area. By attracting a barrage of surface-to-air missiles which opposed the strike group, he enabled the strike group to successfully attack the target and return without loss or damage. His precise radio transmissions also enabled his Section Leader to avoid the missiles. Lieutenant Commander Hoffman’s exceptional courage, devotion to duty and heroism in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63)Action Date:
February 1986 – February 1987
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain David Wesley Hoffman (NSN: 0-659133), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CV-63) from February 1986 through February 1987. Captain Hoffman’s performance, inspirational leadership, and untiring devotion were instrumental in achieving and maintaining unparalleled operational readiness and reliability. Throughout an arduous pre-deployment training period, U.S.S. KITTY HAWK and Carrier Air Wing NINE successfully met every readiness evolution, operational commitment, and tactical challenge. Through his superlative managerial expertise and an incisive grasp of tactical concepts, U.S.S. KITTY HAWK set the record for excellence and operational readiness in Battle Group BRAVO and the Pacific Fleet. Captain Hoffman’s adroit leadership, mature judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Captain David Wesley Hoffman, United States Navy, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Hoffman reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 30, 1971 – March 28, 1973
Lieutenant Commander David Wesley Hoffman (NSN: 0-659133), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 30, 1971 until his release on March 28, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September – December 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander David Wesley Hoffman (NSN: 0-659133), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Major Cutter and three fellow officers planned and executed a sabotage operation disabling five enemy supply trucks used for anti-aircraft ammunition and other supplies, by placing sugar taken from food rations in the fuel tanks. All trucks were put out of service and one engine was destroyed. These acts of sabotage were undertaken with complete disregard for personal safety in the face of severe punishment by the Vietnamese, if caught. By his heroic actions and devotion to duty, Major Cutter reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander David Wesley Hoffman (NSN: 0-659133), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1972 to March 1973. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]