Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Darrell
D.
Woodside
MIA (WWII) KIA
March 30, 1919

–

June 5, 1942

Cemetery:

National Memorial of the Pacific Cemetery

Though Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) was assigned to the U.S.S. Hornet, Darrell Woodside was one of 6 pilots recently detached to take command of new TBF Avengers. The six pilots had flown their new aircraft into Midway three days before the battle began, and had not yet flown out to rejoin their carrier when they were dispatched to engage the Japanese force. All six pilots earned the Navy Cross, in addition to two enlisted members of their crews. Five of the six pilots received their awards posthumously after being listed as Missing in Action. The only survivor, Ensign Albert Earnest, earned TWO Navy Crosses at Midway, bringing the squadron (of six planes) total to NINE awards (seven posthumously).

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class

    Action Date:

    World War II
    American Battle Monuments Commission

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Darrell D. Woodside (NSN: 3211769), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8)

    Division:

    Naval Air Station, Midway

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Darrell D. Woodside (NSN: 3211769), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), embarked from Naval Air Station Midway during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 and 5 June 1942. In the first attack against an enemy carrier of the Japanese invasion fleet, Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Woodside pressed home his attack in the face of withering fire from enemy Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft forces. Because of events attendant upon the Battle of Midway, there can be no doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.