Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Carl
Birdwell
, Jr.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    February 7, 1965
    All Hands (September 1967)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Carl Birdwell, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while leading a 27-plane strike group against military installations near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, on 7 February 1965.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-191)

    Action Date:

    July 7, 1966
    All Hands (November 1967)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Carl Birdwell, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-191), in action on 7 July 1966. Commander Birdwell led the second element of ten aircraft in a large strike against the extremely important Haiphong Petroleum Storage and Transfer Facility in North Vietnam. Although the target area was virtually a fortress of Light, Medium and Heavy anti-aircraft guns as well as numerous active surface-to-air missile sites, he steadfastly led his attack element to the target and executed a perfectly times, coordinated attack which resulted in the serious depletion of the petroleum resources of North Vietnam. His outstanding leadership in the air, his determination and courage in the face of extreme danger were in large part responsible for the extraordinary success of this crucial mission. The professionalism demonstrated by Commander Birdwell during this most difficult mission reflected great credit upon himself and was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216)

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1966
    All Hands (September 1967)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Carl Birdwell, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 15 June 1966, while engaged in combat operations in Southeast Asia. Commander Birdwell led a jet aircraft strike against a missile site which previously had fired two surface-to-air missiles at his aircraft.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216)

    Action Date:

    May 22, 1966
    All Hands (September 1967)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Carl Birdwell, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 22 May 1966, as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED-SIXTEEN (VA-216), while leading a 24-plane strike on the heavily defended military complex of Vinh, North Vietnam.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216)

    Action Date:

    May 1, 1966
    All Hands (September 1967)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Carl Birdwell, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 1 May 1966, as the leader of an aircraft strike against a surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam.