The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Brian Dunstan Woods (NSN: 0-3309517), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1968 to February 1969. With complete disregard for his own safety and personal welfare in a period of severe enemy harassment, he voluntarily took complete care of a seriously wounded fellow prisoner who was not receiving any treatment from the North Vietnamese. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Batallion:
Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97)Division:
U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64)Action Date:
September 18, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Brian Dunstan Woods (NSN: 0-3309517), United States Navy, for heroic achievement in aerial flight while serving in Southeast Asia as a pilot of jet aircraft in Attack Squadron NINETY-SEVEN (VA-97)j, embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On 18 September 1968 Commander Woods was assigned as a section leader in a group of five A-7 aircraft engaged in a strike mission against an important bridge in the Vinh area of North Vietnam. Although Commander Woods’ aircraft sustained damage from intense automatic weapons fire while approaching the target, he persisted in the mission and with complete disregard for his personal safety, pressed home an accurate dive-bombing attack. Shortly after placing his bombs on target, Commander Woods was forced to eject and was captured and interned by the enemy. His superb airmanship and courage in the face of intense hostile fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1968 – February 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Brian Dunstan Woods (NSN: 0-3309517), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1968 to February 1973. By his diligent efforts, exceptional leadership, devotion and loyalty to the United States, and under the most adverse conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. While in daily contact with the North Vietnamese guards and officers, he performed duties in staff positions, maintaining good order and discipline among the prisoners. Under constant harassment from their captors, and due to the frustrations of the prisoners during their long internment, many difficult situations arose, requiring perseverance, endurance and ingenuity. Using his extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sound judgment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Commander Woods is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Brian Dunstan Woods (NSN: 0-3309517), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in September 1968. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 18, 1968 – February 12, 1973
Commander Brian Dunstan Woods (NSN: 0-3309517), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 18, 1968 until his release on February 12, 1973.