The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Ernest Richard Seymour (NSN: 0-570264/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Naval Air Systems Command from April 1980 through July 1983. Responsible for developing advance aircraft and missile weapons systems and providing support to systems deployed to the fleet, Vice Admiral Seymour guided his command to significant heights of accomplishment. During his tenure, the SH-60B Seahawk/LAMPS MK III weapons system and F/A-18 Hornet were introduced to the fleet; the Joint Vertical Lift, Undergraduate Jet Flight Training System, and the Guayule Rubber Programs were established; and increased operational capability was added to existing weapons systems at a reduced cost through soundly managed conversion and update programs. As a direct result of Vice Admiral Seymour’s exceptional commitment, steady increases in aircraft aeronautical knowledge and experience and articulate representation of program requirements, Vice Admiral Seymour rendered valuable and distinguished service and contributed greatly to the present and future strength of naval aviation. By his inspirational leadership, unrelenting perseverance, and absolute dedication to duty, Vice Admiral Seymour reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
May 1975 – September 1978
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 Ernest Richard Seymour (NSN: 0-570264/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Plans and Programs in the Naval Air Systems Command from May 1975 to September 1978. Rear Admiral Seymour distinguished himself by consistently demonstrating superb planning and programming competence along with outstanding executive ability in guiding and coordinating the acquisition management of aircraft, airborne missiles, and other major weapon systems. Upon assuming his responsibilities as Deputy Commander for Plans and Programs, he was faced with varied complex challenges including increased foreign military sales business, reduced configuration management disciplines, more conversions in lieu of aircraft procurements, and a requirement for increased executive direction over major weapon system projects. Rear Admiral Seymour nevertheless ensured that weapon systems were developed and produced with capabilities meeting operational requirements without sacrificing reliability, maintainability or quality. By his distinctive accomplishments, diligent expertise, and unswerving devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Seymour reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
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 Ernest Richard Seymour (NSN: 0-570264/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from May 1972 through April 1975. During his tenure, Captain Seymour consistently demonstrated exceptional managerial competence and outstanding leadership while effectively coordinating the efforts of the immediate office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. With keen foresight and intellectual awareness, he consistently displayed a complete grasp of complex issues and geopolitical considerations in a highly sensitive, rapidly changing environment, and provided the Vice Chief of Naval Operations with sound counsel, essential facts, and recommended courses of action in matters of the greatest importance. Captain Seymour’s astute judgment, diplomacy and tact, and selfless devotion to duty rendered invaluable service to the successful operation of Naval Forces throughout the world and to the entire Naval establishment; thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Ernest Richard Seymour, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from December 1970 to January 1972 as Deputy to the Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and Vice Chief of Naval Operations for Decision Coordination. Through his superb managerial and planning ability, leadership, and superior judgment, Captain Seymour was instrumental in establishing a system for use in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to disseminate and monitor decisions and the implementation of new Navy programs. His knowledge of the Defense Department and his ability to combine experience and foresight in a key managerial role were directly responsible for successful implementation of many of the Navy’s new programs. Captain Seymour has made sweeping improvements which have led to more efficient management in the Navy Department. By his inspiring devotion to duty, outstanding leadership and superb professionalism, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56)Division:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CVA(N)-65)Action Date:
May 26, 1967
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Ernest Richard Seymour (NSN: 0-570264/1310), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroic achievement as a Pilot with Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX (VA-56), in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65, in North Vietnam on 26 May 1967.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56)Division:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CVA(N)-65)Action Date:
March 13, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Ernest Richard Seymour (NSN: 0-570264/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX (VA-56), embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). On 13 March 1968, Commander Seymour led a highly successful coordinated Wing strike against the heavily defended Haiphong, North Vietnam railroad and highway bridge complex. Despite numerous surface-to-air missiles fired at his strike element of A-4 aircraft, Commander Seymour pressed toward the target delaying sufficiently to allow his A-6 element to deliver their bombs on target prior to commending his attack. Commander Seymour personally demonstrated superior weapons ability by placing his bombs directly on his assigned target, the southern approach to the main railroad bridge bypass. Commander Seymour’s imaginative planning and bold execution of this strike resulted in the denial of two extremely vital links in the enemy’s main transportation system. His superb airmanship, outstanding aerial leadership and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.