The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Richard Starr Craighill (NSN: 71460/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Director, Politico-Military Policy Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, from June 1963 to July 1964 and subsequently as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Plans and Policy) until August 1964. As Director, Politico-Military Policy Division, he originated recommendations which resulted in the successful conclusion of negotiations of great importance to the United States providing for the basing of Polaris submarines at Holy Lochy, Scotland, and Rota, Spain. As Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Plans and Policy), he regularly acted as the Navy principal at the Tuesday meetings of the “Operations Deputies” of Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his tenure, the agenda for these meetings increased substantially both in the number and importance of matters presented for resolution. Decisions made by him in concert with the other Services were treated as agreed decisions of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rear Admiral Craighill at all times displayed a superb understanding of the manifold requirements of national security, acted with the finest of judgment in matters of great sensitivity and importance, and was outstanding in his performance as an independent spokesman and decision maker for the Navy. His significant accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself and 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 Richard Starr Craighill (NSN: 71460/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Caribbean Sea Frontier; Commander, Antilles Defense Command; and Commandant TENTH Naval District. Exercising outstanding professional skill and resourcefulness, Rear Admiral Craighill was responsible in large measure for the marked success of the transition of services from Army to Navy during the deactivation of the Antilles Command, U.S. Army Southern Command. As a result of his exemplary leadership and untiring efforts, a multi-million dollar expansion and improvement of the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range is now underway. Through his initiative and foresight, he made possible the smooth transfer and closure of the Naval Station, Trinidad, securing maximum benefits for the United States Government. In addition, Rear Admiral Craighill was instrumental in improving harbor facilities at the U.S. Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads and Vieques Island; in the successful accomplishment of the extremely important mission of VIEQUES SALVOPS for the United States; in arranging airlifts of construction materials to rehabilitate homes in Martinique/Guadeloupe areas damaged by Hurricane INEZ in 1966; and in the success of SPRINGBOARD operations and of Exercise CLOVE HITCH III. By his outstanding leadership, sound judgment and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Craighill upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.