Earl E. Anderson
Encyclopedia
General Earl Edward Anderson (born June 24, 1919), the youngest active duty Marine ever promoted to the rank of General and the second active duty Marine Naval Aviator to be promoted to a 4-star rank, became Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on April 1, 1972. He was promoted to General on March 31, 1972. General KB McCutcheon had been promoted to four star rank the day of his retirement for medical reasons on July 1, 1971.
During his 35-year Marine career he has served in combat actions in World War II
, the Korean War
, and the Vietnam War
.
, and graduated in 1940 after earning a bachelor of science
degree. In June 1940, he was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant and reported to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
. for Basic School.
Upon graduation from Basic School, in February 1941, he was ordered to Sea School, Marine Barracks, Portsmouth, Virginia
, where he served as an instructor. He remained in that assignment until May, when he received assignment to the USS Yorktown (CV-5)
, which was operating with the Atlantic Patrol.
, the Salamaua-Lae campaign
, and the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway
. He was serving on the Yorktown when it was sunk during the Battle of Midway. During this period of time he was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1941 and captain in May 1942.
Following his rescue from the Yorktown, Captain Anderson returned to the United States where he served briefly with Marine Corps Base San Diego, CA, and then with the 2nd Marine Division.
He was ordered to flight training at Naval Air Station Dallas
, Texas
, in the spring of 1943. He was promoted to major in May 1943, and was awarded the gold wings of a naval aviator
at Naval Air Station Pensacola
, Florida
, in October 1943. His next assignment was as a flight instructor at Marine Corps Air Station Edenton, North Carolina
. He remained there until December 1944, when he returned to duty in the Pacific Area and assumed command of Marine Bomber Squadron 443. He later served as the executive officer of Marine Aircraft Group 61 (MAG-61) in the consolidation of the Northern Solomons and the recapture of the Philippines.
; Administration Officer, Division of Aviation, HQMC, and as the Administration Assistant to the Assistant Commandant for Air, HQMC.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
in July 1949, and assigned to the Office of the Judge Advocate General
, where he served in various branches while a post-graduate student at The George Washington University Law School
.
In the summer of 1952, General Anderson was next ordered to Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, where he served as the Executive Officer for Marine Aircraft Group 16
until the spring of 1953 when he was ordered to Korea
.
In Korea, General Anderson was the Commanding Officer, Marine Observation Squadron 6, and later became the Assistant Chief of Staff G-I, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
. Upon his return to the U.S. he was assigned as the Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group 26
.
During May 1956, General Anderson was assigned to MCS, Quantico, Va., where he served first as an instructor, then Chief of the Air Section, Marine Corps Educational Center.
He was promoted to Colonel
in October 1957, and during the summer of 1959, was ordered to the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks
, Pennsylvania
He graduated in June 1960, and was ordered to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
where he served as the Staff Legal Officer until July 1961. He then assumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 36
, Santa Ana, Calif., where his group participated in more than 13 separate amphibious and field exercises.
In June 1963 he became Chief of Staff, Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG), Vietnam
and served in that capacity until the summer of 1964, when he returned to the U.S. For his service with the MAAG, he was awarded a Legion of Merit
, and gold stars in lieu of his 7th and 8th Air Medals.
In the late summer of 1964, General Anderson became the first Program Coordinator for the Marine Tactical Data System, the largest R&D effort in USMC history. He was promoted to Brigadier General
on January 3, 1966, and in February he assumed duty as Deputy Chief of Staff (RD&S), HQMC, the first aviator
to be assigned that position. He also continued as the Marine Corps Tactical Data System Program Coordinator. For that duty he was awarded a gold star in lieu of a 2nd Legion of Merit.
In December 1967, he returned to the Far East
where he assumed duty as the Chief of Staff III Marine Amphibious Force - Republic of Vietnam. He held that assignment until January 1969 and for his service was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal
. He also was awarded a National Order of Vietnam (5th Class), the Vietnamese Army Distinguished Service Medal, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and a Korean Chungmu Medal. While serving in Vietnam he was promoted to Major General
on September 1, 1968.
Upon his return to the U.S. he reported to HQMC where he served briefly as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. In March 1969, he was reassigned as Deputy Director, Personnel HQMC and the Head of the Personnel Department, the first aviator to be assigned to those billets.
In 1970 he was appointed as the USMC member on the Board of Directors of the United States Olympic Committee
, and in March 1971, was designated by the Secretary of Defense as the U.S. member of the Executive Committee of the Counsel International du Sports Militaire. In 1974 he was elected by the General Assembly to be the first Vice President. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Relief and Benefit Association from 1972 to 1975.
He was promoted to Lieutenant General
in June 1971, and assumed duty as Commanding General FMFLant, Norfolk, Virginia
in July 1971.
In April of the following year he was named the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and promoted to General
. At the age of 53 he became the youngest active duty Marine to be promoted to the rank of 4-star general in the history of the Marine Corps.
. In November 1974, General Anderson received the highest honor the GWU Law Association can bestow. He received the Association's Distinguished Alumnus Award. He is also the recipient of Honorary Doctors of Law degrees from Thiel College
and West Virginia University. He is a member of West Virginia University's Academy of Distinguished Alumni and the Order of Vandalia.
He is a member of the Bar of the State of California and the District of Columbia, and is entitled to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the U.S. Supreme Court.
General Anderson is also a member of the State of California and the District of Columbia Bar Associations, and the American Bar Association
.
In 1973, the State of West Virginia chose General Anderson as the Son of the Year. He served on the Executive Council of the West Virginia University
Alumni Council from 1971 to 1978, and was President of the Association from 1976 to 1977. He was also the President of the Leatherneck Association.
During his 35-year Marine career he has served in combat actions in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, and the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
Training and teaching
General Anderson entered West Virginia UniversityWest Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
, and graduated in 1940 after earning a bachelor of science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree. In June 1940, he was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant and reported to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. for Basic School.
Upon graduation from Basic School, in February 1941, he was ordered to Sea School, Marine Barracks, Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth is located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2010, the city had a total population of 95,535.The Norfolk Naval Shipyard, often called the Norfolk Navy Yard, is a historic and active U.S...
, where he served as an instructor. He remained in that assignment until May, when he received assignment to the USS Yorktown (CV-5)
USS Yorktown (CV-5)
was an aircraft carrier commissioned in the United States Navy from 1937 until she was sunk at the Battle of Midway in June 1942. She was named after the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 and the lead ship of the Yorktown class which was designed after lessons learned from operations with the large...
, which was operating with the Atlantic Patrol.
World War II
With the outbreak of World War II, General Anderson and the Yorktown were transferred to the Pacific where they participated in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaignGilbert and Marshall Islands campaign
In the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, from November 1943 through February 1944, were key strategic operations of the United States Pacific Fleet and Marine Corps in the Central Pacific. The campaign was preceded by a raid on Makin Island by U.S...
, the Salamaua-Lae campaign
Salamaua-Lae campaign
The Salamaua–Lae campaign was a series of actions in the New Guinea campaign of World War II. Australian and United States forces sought to capture two major Japanese bases, one in the town of Lae, and another one at Salamaua. The campaign to take the Salamaua and Lae area began with the Australian...
, and the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, approximately one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea and six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy decisively defeated...
. He was serving on the Yorktown when it was sunk during the Battle of Midway. During this period of time he was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1941 and captain in May 1942.
Following his rescue from the Yorktown, Captain Anderson returned to the United States where he served briefly with Marine Corps Base San Diego, CA, and then with the 2nd Marine Division.
He was ordered to flight training at Naval Air Station Dallas
Naval Air Station Dallas
Naval Air Station Dallas was a United States Navy Naval Air Station located on Mountain Creek Lake in southwest Dallas. The installation was originally established as an Army Aviation center, and eventually became home to aviation assets from all the military services. The facility was...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, in the spring of 1943. He was promoted to major in May 1943, and was awarded the gold wings of a naval aviator
Naval Aviator
A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
at Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola or NAS Pensacola , "The Cradle of Naval Aviation", is a United States Navy base located next to Warrington, Florida, a community southwest of the Pensacola city limits...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, in October 1943. His next assignment was as a flight instructor at Marine Corps Air Station Edenton, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
. He remained there until December 1944, when he returned to duty in the Pacific Area and assumed command of Marine Bomber Squadron 443. He later served as the executive officer of Marine Aircraft Group 61 (MAG-61) in the consolidation of the Northern Solomons and the recapture of the Philippines.
Post-World War II
In November 1945, General Anderson returned to the U.S. and served in a wide variety of post-war assignments including as a student at the Command and Staff School, Marine Corps Schools (MCS), Quantico, VirginiaQuantico, Virginia
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there are 561 people, 295 households, and 107 families living in the town. The population density is . There are 359 housing units at an average density of .-Racial composition:...
; Administration Officer, Division of Aviation, HQMC, and as the Administration Assistant to the Assistant Commandant for Air, HQMC.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay...
in July 1949, and assigned to the Office of the Judge Advocate General
U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate Division
The Judge Advocate Division is the United States Marine Corps's legal arm, and is subordinate to the Judge Advocate General of the Navy. The head of the Division is the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps...
, where he served in various branches while a post-graduate student at The George Washington University Law School
The George Washington University Law School
The George Washington University Law School, commonly referred to as GW Law, is the law school of The George Washington University. It was founded in 1825 and is the oldest law school in Washington, D.C. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a charter member of the...
.
In the summer of 1952, General Anderson was next ordered to Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, where he served as the Executive Officer for Marine Aircraft Group 16
Marine Aircraft Group 16
Marine Aircraft Group 16 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar that is currently composed of one CH-46 Sea Knight squadron, four V-22 Osprey squadrons, four CH-53 Super Stallion squadrons, one Personnel Support Detachment and a maintenance and...
until the spring of 1953 when he was ordered to Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
.
In Korea, General Anderson was the Commanding Officer, Marine Observation Squadron 6, and later became the Assistant Chief of Staff G-I, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is an aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps that serves as the Aviation Combat Element of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The wing is headquartered at Camp Foster on the island of Okinawa, Japan...
. Upon his return to the U.S. he was assigned as the Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group 26
Marine Aircraft Group 26
Marine Aircraft Group 26 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station New River that is currently composed of seven MV-22 Osprey squadrons one of which is the Fleet Replacement Squadron and one aviation logistics squadron...
.
During May 1956, General Anderson was assigned to MCS, Quantico, Va., where he served first as an instructor, then Chief of the Air Section, Marine Corps Educational Center.
He was promoted to Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
in October 1957, and during the summer of 1959, was ordered to the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle Barracks is a United States Army facility located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It is part of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and is the site of the U.S. Army War College...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
He graduated in June 1960, and was ordered to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 3d Marine Aircraft Wing is the major west coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and provides the aviation combat element for I Marine Expeditionary Force...
where he served as the Staff Legal Officer until July 1961. He then assumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 36
Marine Aircraft Group 36
Marine Aircraft Group 36 is an active air group of the United States Marine Corps, tasked with providing assault support aircraft. It is currently part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing , itself an integral part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, and based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in...
, Santa Ana, Calif., where his group participated in more than 13 separate amphibious and field exercises.
In June 1963 he became Chief of Staff, Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG), Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
and served in that capacity until the summer of 1964, when he returned to the U.S. For his service with the MAAG, he was awarded a Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, and gold stars in lieu of his 7th and 8th Air Medals.
In the late summer of 1964, General Anderson became the first Program Coordinator for the Marine Tactical Data System, the largest R&D effort in USMC history. He was promoted to Brigadier General
Brigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
on January 3, 1966, and in February he assumed duty as Deputy Chief of Staff (RD&S), HQMC, the first aviator
Aviator
An aviator is a person who flies an aircraft. The first recorded use of the term was in 1887, as a variation of 'aviation', from the Latin avis , coined in 1863 by G. de la Landelle in Aviation Ou Navigation Aérienne...
to be assigned that position. He also continued as the Marine Corps Tactical Data System Program Coordinator. For that duty he was awarded a gold star in lieu of a 2nd Legion of Merit.
In December 1967, he returned to the Far East
Far East
The Far East is an English term mostly describing East Asia and Southeast Asia, with South Asia sometimes also included for economic and cultural reasons.The term came into use in European geopolitical discourse in the 19th century,...
where he assumed duty as the Chief of Staff III Marine Amphibious Force - Republic of Vietnam. He held that assignment until January 1969 and for his service was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
. He also was awarded a National Order of Vietnam (5th Class), the Vietnamese Army Distinguished Service Medal, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and a Korean Chungmu Medal. While serving in Vietnam he was promoted to Major General
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
on September 1, 1968.
Upon his return to the U.S. he reported to HQMC where he served briefly as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. In March 1969, he was reassigned as Deputy Director, Personnel HQMC and the Head of the Personnel Department, the first aviator to be assigned to those billets.
In 1970 he was appointed as the USMC member on the Board of Directors of the United States Olympic Committee
United States Olympic Committee
The United States Olympic Committee is a non-profit organization that serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States and coordinates the relationship between the United States Anti-Doping Agency and the World Anti-Doping Agency and various...
, and in March 1971, was designated by the Secretary of Defense as the U.S. member of the Executive Committee of the Counsel International du Sports Militaire. In 1974 he was elected by the General Assembly to be the first Vice President. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Relief and Benefit Association from 1972 to 1975.
He was promoted to Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...
in June 1971, and assumed duty as Commanding General FMFLant, Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
in July 1971.
In April of the following year he was named the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and promoted to General
General (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
. At the age of 53 he became the youngest active duty Marine to be promoted to the rank of 4-star general in the history of the Marine Corps.
Public life
In addition to his bachelor of science and master of arts degrees, General Anderson is also the recipient of a Juris Doctor: degree in law with highest honors from George Washington University Law School. While attending, he won the first Law Review competition for writing the best law review article among second year students. In his final year, he served as editor in chief of the GWU Law Review and was elected to the Order of the CoifOrder of the Coif
The Order of the Coif is an honor society for United States law school graduates. A student at an American law school who earns a Juris Doctor degree and graduates in the top 10 percent of his or her class is eligible for membership if the student's law school has a chapter of the...
. In November 1974, General Anderson received the highest honor the GWU Law Association can bestow. He received the Association's Distinguished Alumnus Award. He is also the recipient of Honorary Doctors of Law degrees from Thiel College
Thiel College
Thiel College is a private, liberal arts, sciences and professional studies college related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Thiel provides affordable high-quality college experience with dedicated faculty, numerous leadership opportunities and a wide variety of student activities and...
and West Virginia University. He is a member of West Virginia University's Academy of Distinguished Alumni and the Order of Vandalia.
He is a member of the Bar of the State of California and the District of Columbia, and is entitled to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the U.S. Supreme Court.
General Anderson is also a member of the State of California and the District of Columbia Bar Associations, and the American Bar Association
American Bar Association
The American Bar Association , founded August 21, 1878, is a voluntary bar association of lawyers and law students, which is not specific to any jurisdiction in the United States. The ABA's most important stated activities are the setting of academic standards for law schools, and the formulation...
.
In 1973, the State of West Virginia chose General Anderson as the Son of the Year. He served on the Executive Council of the West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
Alumni Council from 1971 to 1978, and was President of the Association from 1976 to 1977. He was also the President of the Leatherneck Association.
Awards and decorations
General Anderson's awards include: |
|||
| Naval Aviator insignia | ||||
| 1st Row | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... w/ 2 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... w/ 2 award stars & valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The... w/ 1 award star |
Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... w/ valor device |
Purple Heart Purple Heart The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York... |
| 3rd Row | Air Medal Air Medal The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:... w/ 7 award stars |
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... w/ 1 service star |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... w/ A Device |
| 4th Row | American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... w/ 4 service stars |
World War II Victory Medal | National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 1 service star |
| 5th Row | Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... w/ 1 service star |
Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... w/ 6 service stars |
Order of Military Merit, Chungmu Cordon Medal Order of Military Merit (Korea) The Order of Military Merit is the primary military decoration awarded by the government of Republic of Korea.-Classes of the Order:The order is divided into five classes:Notable recipients... |
National Order of Vietnam, Knight National Order of Vietnam The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.... |
| 6th Row | Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class Vietnam Distinguished Service Order The Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was a military decoration of South Vietnam whichwas awarded throughout the years of the Vietnam War. The decoration was bestowed for meritorious or heroic deeds related to war time operations and was awarded for both combat andnon-combat service.There were... |
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... with palm (individual award) |
Zaire National Order of Merit, Order of Commander | Korean Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (Korea) The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units... |
| 7th Row | Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... |
Philippine Liberation Medal Philippine Liberation Medal The Philippine Liberation Medal is a military award of the Republic of the Philippines which was created by an order of Commonwealth Army of the Philippines Headquarters on December 20, 1944... |
United Nations Korea Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
See also
- List of Korean War veterans who are recipients of the Bronze Star