Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight , as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Colonel Maddox distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving as Commanding Officer, 164th Aviation Group (Combat) during the period 1 through 31 March 1970. During this period, large scale offensive operations in the Delta were mounted against enemy positions by elements of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam supported by aerial units of the 164th Aviation Group (Combat). Throughout the month, the Group, with 474 aircraft assigned, flew a record total of 45,343 aircraft hours, or the equivalent of 91.8 hours per aircraft. The unit also accounted for 1,036 confirmed enemy killed by aircraft during the month of March, which exceeded the total credited any other Aviation Group or Airmobile Division. The aggressive and determined manner in which the 164th Aviation Group (Combat) accomplished its mission, and the dedication and professionalism consistently displayed by the personnel of this unit are a direct reflection on the professional competence and leadership ability of its commander, Colonel William J. Maddox, Jr. Throughout this period, Colonel Maddox voluntarily flew numerous missions with his units and exposed himself to hostile fire to insure adequate command and control was available at all times. Colonel Maddox’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Armor)

    Regiment:

    168th Aviation Group (Combat), 1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of an Eighth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Cavalry), (then First Lieutenant)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    July 22 – August 9, 1950

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Cavalry), (then First Lieutenant) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as light aviation pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division from 22 July 1950 to 9 August 1950, completing fifty combat missions against the enemy in Korea. Captain Maddox flew unarmed liaison type aircraft in the face of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to procure intelligence data about the enemy for the Commanding General and his Staff and made relief drops to isolated American units. He displayed great aerial skill in operating without damage to aircraft from short, rough, improvised airstrips, with strong crosswinds and extremely turbulent weather conditions. Ceilings and visibility often were limited requiring operation at low altitudes with constant risk of collision with other aircraft and of being hit by artillery and mortar shells. He participated in numerous foot, ammunition and message drops to isolated units during various engagements with the enemy, as well as dropping propaganda leaflets over enemy troops to help induce their surrender. To aid destruction of the enemy, Captain Maddox flew missions directing fighter aircraft into enemy targets of material and troops concentrations. Numerous fire control and observation missions were flown. In all missions, Captain Maddox displayed coolness under fire, readiness to accept all assigned missions regardless of risk and a high degree of initiative. His courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Batallion:

    13th Combat Aviation Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Batallion:

    13th Combat Aviation Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Batallion:

    13th Combat Aviation Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    August 1966 – May 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Armor) William J. Maddox, Jr. (ASN: 0-76892), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period August 1966 to May 1967 while serving successively as Deputy Senior Advisor for Plans and Operations, IV Corps and as Senior Advisor, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During his tenure as Deputy Senior Advisor for Plans and Operations, Colonel Maddox exerted a far reaching and vital influence upon the organization, planning, and execution of tactical operations in the IV Corps area. His exceptional grasp of all facets of the counterinsurgency effort in the Delta and his vast experience in air mobile operations marked him for the role of a sough after advisor and confidant of all senior Vietnamese commanders. Upon assuming the duties of Senior Advisor to the 21st Infantry Division, Colonel Maddox was the catalyst in the growth and improved effectiveness of the advisory detachment and the increased offensive activities of the Vietnamese forces. Participating in all division combat operations, Colonel Maddox analyzed each in terms of its efficacy and, with brilliant clarity and the utmost tactfulness, suggested improvements and innovations in operations and training which materially enhanced the combat effectiveness of the 21st Infantry Division. Colonel Maddox’s professional competence and outstanding accomplishments were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.