The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Officer in Tactical Command of a special force assigned to important duty in connection with salvaging heavily damaged ships in enemy waters during the period 13 to 17 October 1944. By his skillful and outstanding leadership in coordinating the units of his command, he contributed greatly to the withdrawal of two heavy ships from close proximity to enemy territory. Throughout this period of four days, the task group of which he commanded a unit, was under threat of enemy surface and submarine attack and was under persistent enemy air attack. He contributed courageous and inspiring leadership to the officers and men under his command and at all times his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, was awarded a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Vice Admiral Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Cruiser Division TEN, attached to Task Group FIFTY EIGHT POINT ONE, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area from 22 March to 19 May 1945. An outstanding leader, Vice Admiral Wiltse directed his cruisers in delivering effective anti-aircraft fire against numerous hostile air attacks, thereby contributing to the defense of the entire Task Group. Skillfully using cruiser planes under his direct command, he executed numerous rescues of downed pilots in the vicinity of enemy land areas. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Vice Admiral Wiltse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral]Action Date:
July 1 – August 15, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Cruiser Support Unit operating with the SECOND Carrier Task Force, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific Waters from 1 July to 15 August 1945. Participating in strikes against Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido, Vice Admiral Wiltse skillfully supervised his command during long and rigorous operations and, by his tireless efforts, maintained the ships of his division in a high state of combat readiness and fighting efficiency. His leadership throughout this period of unremitting offensive activity was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Vice Admiral Wiltse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Task Group 30.3Action Date:
October 14 – 24, 1944
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0318 (November 30, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession in operations against the enemy from 14 October to 24 October 1944, while acting as Commander of the Support Unit of, and later in Command of Task Group THIRTY POINT THREE (TG-30.3), which carried out the difficult operation of towing two damaged cruisers from a position deep in enemy waters to the safety of our own possessions. During the ten days of this operation, enemy air attacks were always threatened and twice were driven home. Due to his courage and professional skill these attacks were met and in large part defeated, thereby saving from destruction two valuable units of the Fleet. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral]Action Date:
July – August 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Cruiser Division TEN during the first bombardment of the Japanese Mainland at Kamaishi on 14 July 1945; the bombardment of Hamamatau on the night of 29 – 30 July 1945; and the second bombardment of Kamaishi on 9 August 1945. A skilled and efficient leader, Vice Admiral Wiltse ably commanded the heavy cruisers of Task Unit 34.8.1 during these important engagements and contributed materially to the successful outcome of these operations. His personal courage, determination and professional skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Vice Admiral Wiltse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)