THE WALL OF FACES

Pat and I first served together at
Turner AFB in GA and Then a TDY in Ethiopia. We were both transferred to Vietnam in 1966. Sadly he did not return. I remember him as a consummate pilot and officer, and a terrific guy.

Patrick Hardy Wood

Air Force Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Air Force
Battalion: 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron
Division: Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major Patrick Hardy Wood, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E Helicopter of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Mu Gia Pass, North Vietnam, on 6 February 1967. On that date, Major Wood flew two sorties in an effort to rescue a pilot downed deep in heavily defended hostile territory. An intensive search under constant fire failed to locate the pilot and the first sortie was cancelled due to rapidly deteriorating weather. Major Wood undertook a second attempt fully aware that fighter cover and flak suppression support were unavailable due to marginal weather. Despite intense and accurate 37-mm. fire, Major Wood successfully located and hoisted the downed pilot into his aircraft. At this point, the hostile forces, thwarted in their attempts to capture the downed pilot, and with the possibility of luring other aircraft to destruction, directed all their fire-power toward Major Wood's aircraft. Heavy 37-mm, fire exploded above the aircraft on a climb out, and one hit was taken in the cabin. Although his aircraft was severely damaged, Major Wood attempted to clear a ridge line which would have provided a sufficient altitude for a safe bailout for his crew. In the face of a known highly dangerous area, extremely adverse weather conditions, and exceptionally heavy hostile fire, Major Wood pressed his humanitarian efforts to save a fellow airman. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Wood reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

I wore Patrick's MIA bracelet for 20 years straight. 1972-1992 It never came off my wrist for a second. It was on my wrist at my wedding, during childbirth, wearing formal gowns, sleeping, showering, EVERY second of 20 years. I checked occasionally for any updates. I never thought I'd see the day he'd be found. So glad it finally happened. Thank you for your service, Patrick

On June 28, 2017, Col Wood's remains were buried at Arlington National Cemetary. The ceremony was uplifting and families from all around the country were present. The other families that are missing there loved ones are still waiting for their relative to be returned. We remain hopeful that it will be soon. The team over in Vietnam is looking at the newly discovered crash site.

http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1223852/airman-missing-from-vietnam-war-accounted-for-wood/