Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Thomas
Joseph
Woodruff
MIA (WWII) KIA
November 30, 1918

–

November 14, 1944

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 24 – 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 046 (January 31, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Joseph Woodruff (NSN: 0-145682), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in strikes against the Japanese Fleet on 24 – 25 October 1944, east of the Philippines. On 25 October Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Woodruff participated in a coordinated attack on a large formation of enemy warships and in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire scored rocket hits on a destroyer. On 20 October with complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire he attacked and obtained a direct bomb hit on a light cruiser inflicting severe damage. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Joseph Woodruff (NSN: 0-145682), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    November 11 – 14, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Joseph Woodruff (NSN: 0-145682), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Flying Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), embarked in U.S.S. ENGERPRISE (CV-6), from 11 to 14 November 1944.