Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Action Date:

    May 11, 1964

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (December 11, 1964)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Sergeant Paul L. Woods, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Airborne Training Group, Airborne-Air Mobility Department, United States Army Infantry School, on 11 May 1964, near Fort Benning, Georgia. As a Noncommissioned Safety Officer, Sergeant Woods was flying to a drop zone with a group of students who were to perform their first of five qualifying parachute jumps when the aircraft developed engine trouble, crashed, and burned. Prior to the crash, he calmly assisted in the direction of all safety measures and kept panic to a minimum. After the initial impact, he completely disregarded his own personal safety and assisted in evacuation of students from the burning wreckage. Throughout the dangerous operation, he continued to display his fortitude and perseverance by re-entering the burning aircraft to personally remove other trapped students from the wreckage despite the danger of a gasoline explosion. His sound judgment, courageous actions, and professional skill in this emergency prevented the loss of a great number of lives among his fellow soldiers. Sergeant Woods’ heroic conduct is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.