Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Randall Thomas Boyd, Jr. (NSN: 0-100336), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander of a Patrol Bomber during a reconnaissance patrol in search of hostile mines in the vicinity of Wonsan, Korea, on 12 October 1950. When enemy shore batteries attacked United States mine sweepers with intense fire, Commander Boyd spotted hostile targets, took them under fire and held them down while the vessels escaped from the area. Braving heavy fire sent up from the ground, he controlled Naval gunfire and vectored carrier-based aircraft to the enemy positions. A skilled airman and cool leader in the face of hostile opposition, Commander Boyd, by his initiative and inspiring devotion to duty, encouraged his crew members to exert maximum effort during this engagement, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    U.S.S. Dallas (DD-199)

    Action Date:

    November 8 – 11, 1942
    Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 00643 (August 27, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Randall Thomas Boyd, Jr. (NSN: 0-100336), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Gunnery Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DALLAS (DD-199), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. Displaying remarkable courage under heavy hostile fire, during the perilous journey of the DALLAS up the shallow Sebou River to the Port Lyautey airfield, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd played a large part in providing protective gunfire for our Army raider troops and controlled and directed the fire of the ship so efficiently that hostile shore batteries were silenced before they were able to inflict any damage on the DALLAS. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd’s invaluable achievement and keen initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Batallion:

    Patrol Squadron 47 (VP-47)

    Action Date:

    July 2 – December 25, 1950
    Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 1815 (March 5, 1941)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Randall Thomas Boyd, Jr. (NSN: 0-100336), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Member of a Patrol Plane Crew in Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN (VP-47), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 2 July to 25 December 1950. Completing thirty-five combat missions during this period, Commander Boyd participated in daring strikes against the enemy in the face of imminent hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition. By his outstanding skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.