Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Irvin A. Woodring, U.S. Army Air Corps, for heroism while participating in an aerial flight. Lieutenant Woodring, as flight leader, accompanied by Lieutenant William W. Caldwell, Air Corps Reserve, flying P-12C airplanes, left Rockwell Field 11 October 1930, under secret War Department orders for the purpose of receiving a document of international importance at Vancouver, Canada, on 15 October and delivering it to an agent of the state department at Newark, N. J. not later than noon of October 18, 1930. The orders given the two pilots stressed the necessity of disregarding ordinary peacetime precautions to get the document through on scheduled time. Extremely hazardous flying conditions were encountered in Wyoming, snow and clouds completely destroying visibility from the ground to an altitude of 16,000 feet. Although the airplanes being used in the flight were of pursuit type, selected for speed, and not suitable for extensive blind flying, and the pilots realized the dangers involved, they were determined to take no chances in delaying the successful accomplishment of their mission. Lieutenant Caldwell, blinded by the storm, crashed to his death. Lieutenant Woodring arrived at Newark at 7 p.m. 16 October 1930, and delivered the document. The successful accomplishment of this mission in the face of extreme danger reflects great credit not only upon himself but also upon the United States Army.

Awards Received