Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    March 12, 1967

    All Hands (May 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Benjamin E. Caldwell, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 12 March 1967 as the Air Wing Commander’s Wingman in a coordinated strike against the Ninh Binh rail and bridge complex. Lieutenant Caldwell was assigned the railroad bridge as a target. Exposed to intense anti-aircraft fire en route to his target, he maintained tactical position and delivered his bombs directly on the narrow bridge, destroying two of its spans.