Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    April 16, 1972

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Albert S. Dodd, III, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a bombardier/navigator of jet aircraft while serving with Attack Squadron ONE SIX FIVE embarked in USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On 16 April 1972, Major Dodd was bombardier/navigator of a single plane, low-level, high-speed night attack against a surface-to-air missile site in Haiphong, North Vietnam. Undeterred by intense, accurate antiaircraft artillery and the detonation of four surface-to-air missiles near his aircraft, he displayed superb airmanship in overcoming a malfunction in the aircraft computer system and verbally guiding his pilot to the exact weapons release point, from which all ordnance was placed precisely on target. The successful accomplishment of this mission, in the face of overwhelming odds, resulted in severe-degradation of the enemy’s counter air defense network. Major Dodd’s calm determination, superior aerial skill, and cool courage in the face of grave personal danger reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.