The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Carl E. Spofford (ASN: W-3157427), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, on 30 January 1968. Warrant Officer Spofford distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as pilot of an unarmed helicopter deployed on a combat mission to Kontum. The camp and airfield were under heavy rocket, mortar, and ground attack when the flight arrived. He spotted numerous automatic weapons positions around the perimeter and began placing a heavy volume of mini-gun fire on them. After receiving several hits, the ship returned to the airfield to re-arm and re-fuel. Under the threat of heavy enemy fire, he directed and helped in re-arming and re-fueling the ship. Airborne once again, he spotted enemy sniper positions along the perimeter and directed fire to silence them. He totally disregarded his own personal safety by continually attacking hostile positions of a superior number and fire power. As a result of his personal courage and tremendous efforts, he was truly instrumental in the successful repelling of the enemy attacks. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Carl E. Spofford (ASN: W-3157427), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, on 9 June 1968. Warrant Officer Spofford distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1C armed helicopter and fire team leader. When a long range reconnaissance patrol was in heavy contact in a dense jungle area west of Dak To, Warrant Officer Spofford led his fire team to the area, pinpointed the location of the patrol and came under extremely heavy enemy fire. He determined that a McGuire Rig extraction would be necessary to get the team out. As the vulnerable extraction helicopter began its approach to the patrol, Warrant Officer Spofford positioned his aircraft between the enemy positions and suppressed the enemy fire. This dashing diversion permitted the extraction aircraft to extract the patrol without damage or injury. After the extraction, he volunteered to remain in the area and search for a team member who had become separated and lost. Although enemy fire was intense, he continued searching until a critical fuel shortage forced him to return to Dak To Airfield. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.