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 Captain James Edward McCauley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 15 February 1971 to 30 June 1973 while serving as Chief of Staff to Commander Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Captain McCauley exercised outstanding leadership, planning and managerial abilities, and sound judgment in directing the operations of the staff. He displayed exceptional foresight and resourcefulness in reorganizing the Force to meet required manpower and monetary reductions and to accomplish new and revised missions. His expertise in amphibious warfare and administrative matters were extremely valuable in solving myriad problems encountered in the disestablishment of six commands and the reorganization of assets into five new commands. Captain McCauley also contributed measurably to the successful participation of the force in Exercised FIREX 72, EXOTIC DANCER V, AGILE JOUSTER, HIGH HEELS, and WINTEX. He supervised the extensive evaluation of U.S.S. MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20) as an Amphibious Command Ship (LHA). His sound management practices and judicious innovations resulted in improved administration and in the effective implementation of the Force’s Equal Opportunity Programs. Captain McCauley’s outstanding performance and impressive devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain James Edward McCauley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Amphibious Squadron ONE, Amphibious Ready Group BRAVO, from 12 August 1969 to 19 March 1970 while engaged in combat support and amphibious ready operations in the Republic of Vietnam, including Operation DEFIANT STAND. Captain McCauley was responsible for the planning and outstanding execution of an amphibious demonstration in conjunction with the EIGHTH Vietnamese Awards Ceremony. He coordinated the landing and movement of men and material contained in ARG ships from the combat zone during redeployment operations KEYSTONE CARDINAL and KEYSTONE BLUEJAY. Captain McCauley’s dedication, professionalism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.