Laurence O. Woodbury

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Citation: For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight on 20 Sept 1965 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWENTY-FIVE, embarked in USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), during the rescue operation of a downed U. S. Navy A-4E pilot in rugged hilly terrain about 35 miles NE of Haiphong, North Vietnam. LT (JG) Woodbury proceeded to the crash scene without the support of fighter aircraft. After locating the downed pilot he was detached by his leader to rendezvous with the rescue helicopter which was about 10 miles from the coast. The only routes available to the crash scene were in close proximity to known antiaircraft sites, villages, or well-traveled roads. Through his superior airmanship and using his knowledge of the defenses in the area, LT (JG) Woodbury threaded his way through these obstacles, arriving safely and expeditiously at the scene with the rescue aircraft. Without regard for his personal safety, he then took a position at altitude in the missile envelope to serve as communication relay and, when ground troops opened fire during the helo pickup, rejoined his leader to make multiple strafing runs. His daring actions in the execution of successful rescue were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Medals awarded: DFC, 13 Air Medals, 2 Navy Commendations (personal combat actions), 2 Navy Unit Commendations, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnamese (issued) Air Gallantry, Vietnamese (issued) Service.

Lcdr. Woodbury served with the Naval Air Reserves flying A-4A, A-4B, & A-4C Skyhawk aircraft until 1974.
He was an engineer with several Aerospace companies as technical lead, program manager, and/or marketing specialist. He has extensive experience in Electronic Warfare gained at Nellis AFB and also at NAS China Lake. He designed Mission Planning and Mission Rehearsal systems which USAF, USN, & USMC tactical aircraft pilots and USAF & Army Special Ops aircrews used for combat missions into heavily defended target areas.
He was Chief Engineer, Flight and Mission Simulation as a contractor at Edwards AFB, CA for 15+ years in their Flight Simulation facility and their Electronic Warfare facilities until 2009. He guided development and fielding of Real-time very high-fidelity manned simulations of USAF aircraft: F-35/JSF, F-22, F-16, and classified types and USN F-18.
Laurence