The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from January 1965 through December 1966, as Director, Strike Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. During a period when the resources of the Navy have been severely taxed by the conflict in Southeast Asia, Rear Admiral Mehle has been responsible for increasing the capability, flexibility, and readiness of the Navy’s operating forces. Through his extraordinary skill at organizing written and oral efforts as well as his superb capability as a negotiator, he has been instrumental in the success of such varied programs as the Point Defense Missile System, the air cushion vehicle, the Mekong Delta Afloat Force, and nuclear power for surface ships. Rear Admiral Mehle’s skillful administration of the numerous and varied programs under his cognizance has contributed materially to the effectiveness of Navy forces in Southeast Asia while adequate readiness in naval forces deployed in other areas of the world has been maintained. By his outstanding leadership, professional competence, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Mehle upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Rear Admiral Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Carrier Division ONE from February to May 1967, and as Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force, SEVENTH Fleet and Commander Carrier Division FIVE from May to September 1967. During this period, Rear Admiral Mehle was responsible for the prosecution of a naval campaign against North Vietnam involving the coordination of approximately sixty-five combatant ships, over five hundred aircraft, and many thousands of naval personnel. He displayed astute leadership abilities in the management of a program which included thousands of Navy combat sorties designed to weaken the defense of the enemy and further the cause of the United States mission in Vietnam. Rear Admiral Mehle maintained close expert liaison with the SEVENTH Air Force in order to smoothly coordinate joint strikes on enemy industrial, transportation and military complexes. His direct supervision of the implementation of the U.S. program in connection with air strikes against North Vietnam, and his imaginative planning of the employment of new weapons and the development of new tactics for their delivery, were extremely successful in choking off vital supply and reinforcement lines in crucial areas of the combat zone. Taking an active interest in public relations and personal diplomacy, he greatly improved national and world understanding of the mission of the United States in Southeast Asia. By his sound judgment, professional ability, and tireless devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Mehle contributed materially to the success of combat operations in Southeast Asia and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Rear Admiral Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Naval Safety Center from July 1968 through June 1970. Rear Admiral Mehle has been responsible for and has directly supervised the establishment and organization of the Naval Safety Center which is the centroid of the entire Department of the Navy Safety Program. Through inspirational leadership and enthusiastic dedication, Rear Admiral Mehle skillfully directed the prosecution of the spectrum of functions assigned to the Navy Safety Center and spearheaded a myriad of new programs, concepts and innovations to foster safety awareness throughout the Navy. This effort has resulted in a significant reduction of accidents and injuries. Rear Admiral Mehle’s perseverance and guidance were of immeasurable value to the Chief of Naval Operations in instituting and organizing numerous accident and injury reporting and data collection systems by which the effectiveness of the naval establishment’s safety program can be measured. Additionally, his personal liaison and coordination with Department of Defense officials, government agencies, and the civilian community have greatly enhanced the stature of the Navy Safety Center and the Navy Safety Program. By his superior leadership, sound judgment, enthusiasm, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Mehle made a significant contribution to the Naval Safety Program, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.