The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thomas Lee Newell, United States Navy, for heroic and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot of a jet aircraft while attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-THREE (VA-153), embarked in U.S.S. Coral Sea (CVA-43). On 27 October 1967, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Newell was a wingman of a surface-to-air missile suppression element on a major Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN assault on the Kim Quan Highway Ferry Crossing, three miles southeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam. This ferry crossing, in the very center of the Hanoi defensive complex, was strongly protected by numerous surface-to-air missile sites and anti-aircraft emplacements. Flying protective cover in advance of the strike fore, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Newell and his element were repeatedly subjected to fierce, accurate fire from innumerable surface-to-air missile sites and anti-aircraft artillery. While courageously maintaining his search and attack position, he repeatedly made devastating attacks on hostile missile sites, effectively destroying the launch capabilities of four sites. Despite the hazards, he remained in the target area to cover the retirement of the strike force, continuing to force down missile sites as their launch capability developed. His calm determination and outstanding airmanship contributed substantially to the success of this mission and materially enhanced the safety of the main strike force. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Newell’s courageous actions and superb professional competence were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thomas Lee Newell, United States Navy, for heroic and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot of a jet aircraft while attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-THREE (VA-153), embarked in U.S.S. Coral Sea (CVA-43). On 17 November 1967, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Newell was a wingman of a surface-to-air missile suppression element on a major coordinated air wing assault on the lines of communication of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Penetrating the most awesome defenses in North Vietnam, he courageously and with great professional skill provided missile suppression support to the main striking force. Continuously being forced to low altitudes while evading surface-to-air missiles, he relentlessly continued with his mission, climbing back to the highly vulnerable altitudes necessary for his anti-missile tactics. In spite of the continuous volley of missiles fired at the attacking force, he continued to the target area, firing his weapons into the most pressing of the missile sites. As the strike group made its bombing attack and commenced its retirement, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Newell remained over the target area in the midst of the most formidable missile and anti-aircraft artillery opposition in order to cover the retirement. He continued suppressing missile sites until all of his weapons were expended, and is credited with destroying or disrupting the guidance capabilities of four missile sites during this mission. His heroic actions in the face of extreme personal danger made magnificent contributions to the safety of the strike force and to the overall success of the mission. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Newell’s outstanding airmanship and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.