Navy Federal Credit Union

Sanford Woodard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Forrest (DD-461)

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1945

    Commander Mine Craft Pacific Fleet: Serial 8228 (October 9, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Sanford Elza Woodard (NSN: 0-78696), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Minesweeper U.S.S. FORREST (DD-461) at Okinawa Gunto on 27 May 1945. By his outstanding leadership and skillful seamanship his ship delivered accurate and deadly fire when attacked simultaneously by three enemy suicide aircraft and maneuvered so as to successfully evade the attack. Two of the aircraft were shot down by his ship and the third escaped into the clouds and later returned making a shallow suicide dive into his ship. By quick and effective fire fighting, the fires were extinguished, personnel saved and damage to the ship minimized. His action in stopping the engines when he was sure that a hit was inevitable undoubtedly saved his ship and remained underway. His outstanding conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Marvin H. McIntyre (APA-129)

    Action Date:

    February 5, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander Sanford Elza Woodard (NSN: 0-78696), United States Navy, for heroism in the rescue of five persons, who were unable to swim, from a grounded vessel in constant danger of complete break up and over which heavy swells were constantly breaking, south of Sumbawa Island, Netherlands East Indies, on 5 February 1942. Under conditions of great personal danger of being crushed among the rocks and wreckage in the heavy swells, he voluntarily and courageously approached the Netherlands’ Merchant Ship TIDORE, which had run aground while being bombed by enemy aircraft, in a motor-whale boat and by exemplary leadership, seamanship, and determination, succeeded in removing to safety all the remaining survivors of the disaster. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.