- SURNAME
Wofford
- FORENAME
Travis
- UNIT
37 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (3 A.R.R. Group)
- RANK
Major
- NUMBER
0-61477
- AWARD
Air Force Cross,Distinguished Flying Cross
- PLACE
South Vietnam 1970
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Centralia,Washington
born 13.1.1934
helicopter co-pilot
retired as Lt Colonel
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Travis Wofford (AFSN: 0-61477), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Co-Pilot of an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter Pilot of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Dak Nay Puey, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 April 1970. On that date, Major Wofford was engaged in the rescue of a crew of a United States Army helicopter which was shot down by enemy ground fire. Although Major Wofford was wounded by enemy ground fire during two earlier rescue attempts, he chose to continue with the rescue operations. On the third attempt, the helicopter was severely damaged by an intense burst of heavy automatic weapons fire. When the helicopter lost power and crashed, Major Wofford, with complete disregard for his personal safety and despite his painful injuries, freed himself from the wreckage and then attempted to free the pilot, who was instantly killed on impact. He then observed the other members of the crew engulfed in flames and, with sheer determination and a deep concern for his fellow men, he rushed to their aid, extinguished the flames and then dragged the aircrew members to a place of safety from which they were rescued. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Wofford reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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 Major Travis Wofford (AFSN: 0-61477), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Copilot on an HH-3E helicopter near DaNang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 14 April 1970. On that date, Major Wofford displayed exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship in the rescue of ten United States Army personnel from a downed helicopter. His calm and professional assistance to the Aircraft Commander under hazardous conditions and his skill in pinpointing the survivors' position most surely prevented their capture or death by hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Wofford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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