The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel William Darden Maples (ASN: 0-5304234/RA-18429727), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the United States Army Jungle Operations Training Center, Fort Sherman and, subsequently, to Headquarters, United States Army Forces Southern Command, Fort Amador, Canal Zone, from July 1968 to June 1973. While serving as Deputy Director of Instruction at the United States Army Jungle Operations Training Center, Colonel Maples was instrumental in developing a greatly improved Jungle Training Course and, due chiefly to his endeavors, successfully reorganized the Jungle Operations Committee into a separate training headquarters which graduated approximately 17,000 students. Throughout his tenure as Secretary of the General Staff and, subsequently Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Army South, Fort Clayton, Republic of Panama, he consistently displayed his outstanding qualities and ability to coordinate and conduct several major tasks concurrently and to bring each to a successful conclusion. His managerial and executive abilities were fully used and proved invaluable in coping with the innumerable administrative tasks encountered. Due to his unexcelled knowledge and achievements, Colonel Maples was appointed as Executive Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Army South, Fort Clayton, Republic of Panama. In this position he served with unprecedented distinction. Noteworthy was his role in providing for harmonious liaison with component commanders and staffs, and the efficient planning and coordination of the Commander’s official visits to Central and South America. His fluency in the Spanish language made him extremely valuable in his job as he was able to greet and converse with Latin American visitors to the command and, also while accompanying the Commander in his official visits to Latin American countries. Lieutenant Colonel Maples’ steadfast devotion to duty, outstanding accomplishments and exceptionally valuable service reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major (Infantry) William Darden Maples (ASN: 0-5304234/RA-18429727), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period August 1966 to August 1967 while serving consecutively as Commanding Officer, Detachment A-427, Commanding Officer, Detachment B-44 and Executive Officer, Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in the Republic of Vietnam. Through his expert advice and supervision of the Special Forces Civilian Irregular Defense Group Program, Major Maples contributed immeasurably to the struggle against the Viet Cong in his area of operations. Through his keen foresight and personal example of courage and dedication, a period of tactical and strategic success was achieved throughout Phu Quoc Island. His astutely supervised the implementation of new and improved methods of guerrilla warfare which brought about outstanding results in both tactics and intelligence. Major Maples’ thorough coordination and intelligent planning resulted in a highly effective revolutionary development program and countless successful combat operations. Demonstrating great personal courage, he participated in numerous operations against hostile forces. His sound recommendations and exceptional ability as an advisor won the respect of his Vietnamese counterparts and encouraged them in their demanding and heroic mission. Major Maples’ professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.