The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam, from 8 July 1963 to 16 May 1964. Exercising sound judgment, keen foresight, and a high degree of professional competence, Colonel Anderson contributed outstandingly to the effectiveness and success of the United States Advisory Program in the Republic of Vietnam. Supervising, directing and coordinating not only the service integrated staff elements of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam but also, within policies outline by Chief, MAAG, the service sections (Army, Navy, Air Force) in the performance of their mission and the attainment of the overall Group objectives, he was responsible for marked improvements in the areas of training, planning, programming, financial management and logistic support within all MAAG elements. Because of his experience in airborne counter insurgency tactics and techniques, and as a result of his participation with friendly forces in more than thirty combat helicopter missions during the period, Colonel Anderson’s advice was constantly sought by local forces engaged in the combat employment of heliborne forces. His outstanding leadership, professional ability and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Anderson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Bismarck Archipelago Area from 1 March 1945 to 7 May 1945. Major Anderson completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands Area from 9 July to 19 July 1945. Major Anderson completed forty missions in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
General [then Lieutenant General]Action Date:
June 1971 – March 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General [then Lieutenant General] Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic from June 1971 through March 1972. During this period, General Anderson systematically initiated myriad innovative training and management programs which improved operational readiness and combat efficiency. Among his many significant achievements were the development of a cold-weather operational capability for Marine Corps forces; the maintenance of deployed units and teams at maximum effectiveness during a period of heavy operational commitments and personal austerity resulting from Force reductions; the successful participation of elements of the Force in national and international exercises; and the valuable contribution he made to the Department of Defense review of close air support. Additionally, his recommended establishment of a permanent Navy-Marine Corps team aboard U.S.S. MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20) provides for continuous integrated planning and the improved execution of contingency plans and training exercises. By his superb leadership and inspiring dedication, General Anderson contributed materially to the mission accomplishment of the Atlantic Command and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from April 1972 through June 1975. Throughout his tenure, General Anderson consistently displayed superlative leadership and flawless staff ability in discharging his particularly demanding duties as the principal assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Especially noteworthy was his acute perception of the interplay of global events and national strategy as well as his intimate knowledge of aviation matters and weapons systems. By his acknowledged expertise in these vital areas, he provided sage advice to the Commandant and judicious guidance to the General Staff at Headquarters Marine Corps. Equally commendable was his unique sensitivity to the needs of the individual Marine and his assiduous efforts in ensuring that all Marines not only were prepared for, but aware of their responsibilities as members of the nation’s force in readiness. General Anderson’s distinguished service and exceptional devotion to excellence contributed significantly to the readiness and effectiveness of the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
July 29, 1964 – 1967
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 to Brigadier General Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Marine Tactical Data Systems (MTDS) Program Coordinator since 29 July 1964 and as Deputy Chief of Staff (Research, Development and Studies, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, since 11 February 1966. As Program Coordinator, Marine Tactical Data Systems, Brigadier General Anderson established the Coordinator’s Office, which managed the largest and most expensive single weapons system ever developed, tested, and produced by the Marine Corps. His outstanding performance of duty as Program Coordinator resulted in the successful deployment of the first ground based semi-automatic tactical data system by the free world military forces. A significant milestone was reached when a successful Marine Tactical Data System/Navy Tactical Data System link was established between DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, and ships of the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet in the Gulf of Tonkin. This was the first instance of an automatic exchange of track information between U.S. Marine Corps III Meuse-Argonne, France Units and the Navy Tactical Data System in an operational environment and the first time this was accomplished between fleet units and any land-based Tactical Data System. This capability extends the radar coverage of Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN, thus providing advance information on air tracks approaching the Task Force. As Deputy Chief of Staff (Research, Development and Studies), he fulfilled his responsibility in an outstanding and preeminent manner. In addition to Marine Corps research, development, test, evaluation, and studies, he was also responsible for monitoring the studies of the other armed services and U.S. Government agencies as well as those of friendly nations which were of interest to the Marine Corps. His untiring efforts made significant contributions to the development of a General Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA), which will provide optimum support for the landing force. Under his guidance, improved tracked vehicles, marginal terrain vehicles and soil stabilization materials along with other projects which reflect the present and future requirements of the Marine Corps were developed. Dealing in budgetary matters with Congress and top-level Department of Defense and Department of the Navy officials, he ensured support for the adequate and timely development of all Marine Corps equipment and Navy amphibious warfare development programs of primary interest to the landing force and to the Marine Corps. Brigadier General Anderson’s initiative, professional skill, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
March 1969 – June 1971
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 to Major General Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director of Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, from March 1969 through June 1971. Expertly supervising the largest department in Marine Corps Headquarters, Major General Anderson exhibited outstanding professionalism in educating, training, and assigning Marines where their skills could best be utilized. During periods of maximum turbulence and heavy manpower combat demands, he skillfully regulated an uninterrupted flow of Marines, from recruiting to combat. Demonstrating superior managerial skill, Major General Anderson worked forcefully and energetically toward procuring the best qualified officer and enlisted personnel, He created “Headquarters Hotline,” a publication designed to provide timely information to officers and enlisted on multitudinous subjects. This work has now become the most widely read and sought after publication in the Corps. Major General Anderson’s distinguished guidance, keen awareness and perception of the needs and desires of Marines assured personal treatment in a timely manner through positive programs for family and casualty assistance, and through expansion of the hospital visitation program. Major General Anderson held the personal welfare of all Marines uppermost in his actions, provided impetus to programs affecting retired personnel and veterans and helped to improve pre-separation counseling. Notable among his many accomplishments was a comprehensive modernization of classification and assignment procedures, including a mechanized fitness reporting system which permitted acknowledging receipt of reports and recognized officers’ duty preferences. Major General Anderson’s distinguished record of achievement and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
December 17, 1967 – December 31, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the Third Marine Amphibious Force in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 17 December 1967 to 31 December 1968. Throughout this period, General Anderson performed his myriad, demanding duties with superb leadership and exceptional professionalism. Assuming his position during a period when elements of the Third Marine Amphibious Force were rapidly increasing in size and complexity, his unerring ability to make sound decisions and coordinate their execution enabled his command to integrate and employ United States Army and Marine Corps units into a cohesive, flexible force. Drawing upon his extensive field experience and broad tactical knowledge, he analyzed operational problems and provided recommendations to the commanding general that played a vital part in the success of seventy-three major combat operations, including Operations JEB STUART, NAPOLEON/SALINE, and MAMELUKE THRUST. Displaying exceptional diplomatic skill, he was uniquely successful in dealing with Army of the Republic of Vietnam and Second Republic of Korea Marine Brigade commanders and was instrumental in the successful, coordinated efforts among allied forces in the I Corps Tactical Zone. Under General Anderson’s firm guidance, the orderly implementation of a Single Management System for the allocation, mission direction and control of all fixed wing tactical and reconnaissance aircraft materially enhanced the efficacious utilization of existing assets within the command. By his dynamic leadership, exceptional military skill and unwavering devotion to duty, General Anderson rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.