Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-82 (January 9, 1968)

    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 lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Joseph Claude Della-Rodolfa, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3155192), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 November 1967.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Action Date:

    February 23, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1307 (August 23, 1967)

    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 First Lieutenant Joseph Claude Della-Rodolfa, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3155192), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in an O-1 Bird Dog aircraft in Southeast Asia on 23 February 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Della-Rodolfa was flying his light unarmed aircraft in support of friendly ground units in contact with hostile forces. Despite the hazards of ground fire, numerous helicopters, poor weather, and approaching darkness, his outstanding courage and determination enabled fighter aircraft to destroy the hostile stronghold in a minimum of time. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Dela-Rodolfa reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Action Date:

    October 19, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-172 (January 16, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph Claude Della-Rodolfa, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3155192), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller in the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 19 October 1967. On that date, Captain Della-Rodolfa was responsible for saving an entire United States Marine Corps reconnaissance patrol from annihilation. Flying directly over the patrol at low level, at night, using his aircraft lighting as marking for fighter aircraft, Captain Della-Rodolfa deliberately made himself a target for the hostile gunners; allowing friendly fighter aircraft to accurately find and neutralize the hostile threat. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Della-Rodolfa has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.