Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Naval Flight Officer with Marine Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA-533), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy. On the night of 21 February 1968, Lieutenant Carr launched as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned a bombing mission against a communication installation near Hanoi in North Vietnam, an area known to be defended by heavy concentrations of automatic weapons, surface-to-air missiles, and enemy interceptor aircraft. After the aircraft executed numerous turns and feints to confuse the enemy, he adjusted several malfunctions in his aircraft’s complex electronic equipment and skillfully navigated to the designated target area. Although his aircraft lost radio contact with all supporting aircraft, which increased the hazards from hostile antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Carr continued to monitor his equipment, adjusting failures and providing accurate information to the pilot. Detecting an enemy-launched surface-to-air missile, he observed the approaching weapon and quickly alerted the pilot, enabling him to evade the missile which barely cleared the canopy of the aircraft before detonating. Fully award that the 500-foot altitude, high-speed approach precluded the possibility of a safe ejection if his aircraft were hit, Lieutenant Carr calmly assisted the pilot to acquire the target and commence the attack. Providing accurate information for either automatic or manual bomb release, he was instrumental in delivering all ordnance with unerring accuracy which resulted in a large secondary explosion. Departing the hazardous area, he navigated the aircraft through treacherous mountains to an alternate airfield for refueling and then safely returned to the Chu Lai Air Base. By his exceptional professional skill, unfaltering determination, and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant Carr contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VA(AW)-242)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Seal (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    May 9, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft while attached to Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VF(AW)-224) embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 9 May 1972, Captain Carr was lead bombardier/navigator of the coordinated Air Wing strike that successfully mined Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam. The closing of the enemy’s main source of supplies was a critical blow and its execution was exceptionally precise and effective. Expertly utilizing his navigation radar at low altitude to guide his pilot and the strike force to the pre-computed weapons release point, Captain Carr encountered both enemy anti-aircraft fire and continuous indications of surface-to-air missile firings. He resolutely provided vital attack parameters to his pilot which resulted in a precise ordnance delivery. Captain Carr’s exceptional airmanship and single-minded devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VA(AW)-242)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Seal (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft while attached to Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VF(AW)-224) embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 29 May 1972, Captain Carr was the lead bombardier/navigator in a major coordinated air wing strike against the Uong Bi railroad repair facility in North Vietnam. Utilizing the A-6A navigation system, he led the strike group through extremely hazardous terrain to the target. Upon entering the target area, the strike group was immediately subjected to intense enemy anti-aircraft fire; he gave his pilot the attack parameters and all ordnance was delivered with devastating accuracy. He then led the strike group to a second target, a surface-to-air missile site, and again delivered the remaining ordnance accurately. Captain Carr’s superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VA(AW)-242)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Seal (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star in lieu of a Eighth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft while attached to Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VF(AW)-224) embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 24 May 1972, Captain Carr was the lead bombardier/navigator during a coordinated air wing strike against Kien An Airfield and a railroad bridge on the southwest side of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Captain Carr expertly navigated the entire strike force at an altitude of fifty feet, directly into the city of Haiphong. After detaching the A-7’s, he continued to navigate, enabling the two sections of A-6’s to split at precisely the predetermined point and hit their respective targets at Kien An Airfield. His planning and navigation expertise were directly responsible for the destruction of a vital railroad and enemy airfield. Captain Carr’s outstanding airmanship and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VA(AW)-242)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Seal (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VA(AW)-242)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Seal (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    May 10, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star in lieu of a Ninth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft while attached to Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VF(AW)-224) embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 10 May 1972, Captain Carr was the lead bombardier/navigator of a major coordinated air wing strike against the heavily defended Hai Duong Railroad Bridge in North Vietnam. Captain Carr displayed extraordinary navigational skills as the strike group ingressed at a daringly low altitude and high speed through the high missile, anti-aircraft and MiG threat areas en route to the target. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he advised his pilot of the vital attack parameters which enabled the ordnance to be delivered on target with extreme accuracy destroying the bridge. Captain Carr’s superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VA(AW)-242)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Seal (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William D. Carr (MCSN: 0-83966), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Fourth Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star in lieu of a Tenth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.