Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Chief of Naval Operations from July 1978 through June 1982. Responsible for maintaining a Navy capable of defeating the enemy at sea, Admiral Hayward initiated dynamic programs to provide innovative measures to improve fleet combat readiness and balance which resulted in higher material conditions, quick reaction to contingencies, and plans for future fleet modernization. As a result of his brilliant leadership, professional skill, and able administration of the Navy, Admiral Hayward introduced new concepts for naval operations both in the present and in the future. His initiatives contributed directly to the support of the future. His initiatives contributed directly to the support of the national military strategy and the shaping of the United States military force structure. Admiral Hayward’s personal objective of bringing about a sense of unification of purpose and renewed commitment on the part of all Naval personnel yielded singular results. By his outstanding loyalty, exceptional leadership, and selfless dedication to duty, Admiral Hayward reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. America (CVA-66)

    Action Date:

    May – October 1970

    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 Captain Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during combat operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of U.S.S. AMERICA (CVA-66) and Commander Task Group SEVENTY-SEVEN POINT SIX from May to October 1970. Captain Hayward’s personal leadership and professional expertise were directly responsible for the outstanding effectiveness of AMERICA and Air Wing NINE combat team. He demonstrated the highest professional competence in directing combat sorties against the enemy’s communications and transportation networks which significantly impaired the enemy’s ability to move men and material from North to South Vietnam. An exceptionally capable officer, he exhibited the commendable ability to react correctly and decisively to changing situations in the unique combat environment of Southeast Asia. Captain Hayward’s flawless performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Valley Forge (CV-45)

    Action Date:

    April 8, 1953

    All hands (June 1954)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Bibb Hayward, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Jet Fighter Plane attached to Fighter Squadron FIFTY-ONE (VF-51), based on board the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE (CV-45), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 April 1953. Leading a four-plane flight in a strike against a camouflaged and heavily defended enemy troop billeting and supply area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hayward skillfully directed a series of well-coordinated attacks in the face of intense and accurate hostile anti-aircraft fire, personally destroying eight buildings and damaging five others. Subsequently, when the division proceeded on an armed reconnaissance of the Majon-ni-Wonsan supply route, expending their remaining ordnance on camouflaged trucking shelters, he personally destroyed two additional buildings and damaged three others. By his superb airmanship, courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hayward contributed materially to the reduction of the enemy’s war-making potential and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    December 1971 – March 1974

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Office of Program Appraisal, Office of the Secretary of the Navy from December 1971 to March 1973, and as Director, Navy Program Planning and Scientific Office for the Center for Naval Analyses in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from April 1973 through March 1974. As the Secretary’s senior analyst of Navy objectives and programs, Vice Admiral Hayward was responsible for assuring that existing and proposed Navy and Marine Corps programs were optimized to achieve the principal objectives of the Department of the Navy. His extensive knowledge of a new conceptual program planning approach involving integration and balance of threat, national policy, attainable force levels and available resources was essential to the Navy’s formulation of programs, budget and reprogramming decisions. As the senior planning, programming and budgeting official in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Hayward was responsible for developing and coordinating many Navy programs having significant effect on the defense of the United States. As Scientific Officer for the Center for Naval Analyses, Vice Admiral Hayward utilized exceptional foresight in directing the Navy’s study programs, concentrating on areas offering the greatest potential for the Navy and to national preparedness. By his dedication and distinguished performance of duty, Vice Admiral Hayward reflected great credit upon himself and the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Hayward reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    February 1981 – June 1982

    The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chief of Naval Operations, from February 1981 through June 1982. In this highest level of Navy leadership and responsibility, Admiral Hayward consistently demonstrated the keenest sense of national security priorities. He was singularly effective in facilitating just pay and compensation for military personnel, and in initiating critical building programs to enhance essential naval warfare capabilities. Possessing a unique grasp of national security issues and a superb appreciation for the capabilities and limitations of naval and military forces in affecting international political events, he was an invaluable member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and advisor to the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of Defense, and the President of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Hayward culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

  • Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 1978 – July 1982

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from July 1978 to July 1982, in recognizing the potential of the United States Coast Guard to meet national defense objectives. While serving as Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Hayward took the lead in directing profound changes in Navy/Coast Guard relationships that will enhance the overall military readiness posture of the United States. Among his most important development is the formation of the Navy-Coast Guard Board, the first formal planning and policy body affecting Joint Operations of the two services. Admiral Hayward has at every opportunity promoted the value of the Coast Guard to a significant element of seapower. He supported a stronger role for the Coast Guard in the Joint Services arena, advocating a formal liaison between the Coast Guard and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His actions have directly contributed to an increased public awareness of the Coast Guard both as a humanitarian service and a military force-in-being and have contributed positively to the morale of Coast Guard personnel. Throughout this period, Admiral Hayward has freely committed hard-pressed Navy units in support of Coast Guard operations such as Search and Rescue, and crisis responses such as the Cuban Mariel Exodus. Conversely, he has ensured Coast Guard cutters and personnel a place in Navy readiness training exercises that assure the Coast Guard’s ability to supplement U.S. Naval Forces in time of war or National Emergency. As a direct result of Admiral Hayward’s exemplary leadership, the capability and professionalism of the Coast Guard/Navy team has increased to a level not reaching since World War II, when the Coast Guard in fact operated as an integral part of the United States Navy. Admiral Hayward’s unselfish support to the Coast Guard as a part of his dedication to improving this nation’s seapower throughout the world reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Services.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 1968 – October 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Assistant and Naval Aide to the Under Secretary of the Navy from August 1968 to October 1969. Captain Hayward was extremely effective in carrying out his many and varied responsibilities, participating significantly in decisions made at the highest levels of the Navy Department. His tenure was especially noteworthy as it spanned a change in administrations that brought four new members out of six to the Secretariat. His professional expertise, particularly in the field of aviation, and unerring attention to detail abetted the early orientation of the new team. Captain Hayward displayed an unusual faculty for assessing the overall implications of major issues, while retaining an appreciation for the detailed elements which influence their resolution. As the key executive assistant to two Under Secretaries of the Navy, he rendered incalculable professional assistance while always exhibiting the finest sense of personal integrity, sound judgment and exemplary tact. He discharged his sensitive and important responsibilities with unswerving loyalty to his superiors, both civilian and military. This loyalty was equally manifested to his associates and co-workers of whom he was ever considerate. Captain Hayward’s distinguished record of achievement reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1976 – May 1978

    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 Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief United States Pacific Fleet from August 1976 to May 1978. During his tenure, Admiral Hayward’s steadfast leadership maximized the contribution of the Pacific Fleet to the national interests of the United States. Recognizing the key role of the Fleet in preserving peace and deterring aggression in the vast area encompassing the Pacific and Indian Oceans, he worked with consummate skill and tireless energy to strengthen the Fleet and to optimize both its peacetime disposition and its planned wartime employment. By his dedicated professionalism, he made significant and lasting contributions to the United States strategy in the Pacific. Admiral Hayward’s distinctive achievements, perseverance, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.