Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class

    Batallion:

    Patrol Bombing Squadron 117 (VPB-117)

    Action Date:

    March 25, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class John R. Boyd, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 25 March 1945, while serving as Second Mechanic of a Navy Search Liberator at Saigon Harbor, French Indo-China, he participated in a gallant and courageous attack upon armed enemy forces’ vessels and warships. As a result of this attack three large merchant vessels were bombed and sunk, damaging blows to two Destroyer Escorts as well as twenty other merchant vessels were dealt. Repeated low level strafing attacks were made in the face of anti-aircraft fire of all types. He displayed unusual courage and skill in his attacks and dealt the enemy a crippling blow. In addition to the foregoing, he participated in the destruction of a JAKE type aircraft. His actions during this operation showed an extraordinarily high degree of outstanding aggressiveness and heroic coolness under fire and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.