DRISCOLL-WILLIAM

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Patrick Driscoll (NSN: 0-756327), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism on 10 May 1972 while serving as a Radar Intercept Officer with Fighter Squadron NINETY-SIX (VF-96), embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), during a major air-wing coordinated strike against the strategic and heavily defended Hai Duong marshalling rail yard joining the port of Haiphong to the industrial center of Hanoi in North Vietnam. Flying with the leader of a section of F-4J flak-suppressor aircraft assigned to protect the less maneuverable and heavily loaded attack group, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll rendered invaluable assistance when a large formation of approximately sixteen enemy aircraft attempted to intercept the retiring strike group. Visually acquiring the enemy fighters, and skillfully directing defensive maneuvers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll aided his pilot in shooting down three of the six enemy aircraft destroyed in the fierce battle. Although his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile and later burst into flame, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll remained with the crippled aircraft and assisted the pilot in reaching the Tonkin Gulf where both men ejected and were picked up shortly by a rescue helicopter. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Driscoll's great personal courage and invaluable contribution to the success of an extremely important mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: May 10, 1972

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade

Company: Fighter Squadron 96 (VF-96)

Division: U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64)

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret