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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third 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 6 June 1968. Warrant Officer Spofford distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an aircraft commander on an armed helicopter during the extraction of a Special Forces long range reconnaissance patrol in heavy contact with a large enemy unit. He navigated skillfully through perilous monsoon weather, immediately engaged the enemy and destroyed numerous automatic weapons positions that had the team pinned down. He continued to engage the enemy, thus enabling the team to break contact and move to a suitable extraction point. He then covered the team until an extraction could safely be attempted. Warrant Officer Spofford’s courage and professionalism contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. 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.