Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer (W-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    December 15, 1969

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 740 (February 8, 1970)

    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 (W-1) Joseph W. Todd, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Todd distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter in support of friendly infantry. He was making a close reconnaissance of a pickup zone to insure that the transport aircraft would not be taken under fire while performing the extraction. Five hundred feet from the pickup zone his ship began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire. He noticed the instruments and radios had all been knocked out and the crew chief had been shot several times and was bleeding intensely. He set the aircraft down in a clearing to assess damages and enable the crew chief to receive first aid. The aircraft was heavily damaged, with no instrumentation or fuel control and two hits through the engine. It was evident that the crew chief needed medical attention. Warrant Officer Todd elected to jettison the rocket pods and then skillfully maneuvered the critically damaged aircraft to a nearby hospital, thus saving the crew chief’s life. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer (W-2)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    December 12, 1969

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 1916 (March 30, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) Joseph W. Todd, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 116th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 12 December 1969. Chief Warrant Officer Todd distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a helicopter gunship supporting allied infantry. When he detected three enemy soldiers hiding in a hedgerow, three rocket runs were made and the position was neutralized. An aerial reconnaissance revealed many recently built bunkers and fighting positions. An insertion of infantry was initiated. As the troops advanced to within ten meters of the bunker complex, they were taken under heavy automatic weapons fire and were pinned down and unable to move. Chief Warrant Officer Todd made repeated rocket runs on the hostile positions to give the ground troops time to recover their wounded and pull back to safety. When this proved fruitless, he made low passes over the enemy positions, throwing out smoke grenades which completely hid the friendly element’s position. This allowed the friendly troops to withdraw to safety. Due to low fuel and the damage from enemy fire to his aircraft, he flew to a friendly base, re-fueled, and after an inspection of damage, returned to engage the enemy once again. His exceptional flying skills and courage under fire were instrumental in routing the enemy force. 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.