The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Robert Everton Cushman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5062), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Commandant of the Marine Corps from January 1972 to January 1973. An outstanding, loyal, and patriotic leader, General Cushman reconstituted the Marine Corps into a viable peacetime force-in-readiness. Emphasizing readiness, General Cushman personally insisted on the application of those special qualities of personal leadership, equality and professionalism which resulted in the state of personnel, equipment and training readiness unexcelled in the history of Marines. This has provided a Marine Corps available and capable of meeting unanticipated operational deployments and contingency requirements in a timely and proficient manner, with a high esprit de corps. The high esteem accorded General Cushman by all those with whom he has been associated, both in and out of the Government, is a tribute to his profound intellect and broad knowledge, tempered by vast experience, and, above all, his deep understanding and compassion for his fellow man. General Cushman, through his statesmanship and superb understanding of the factors which influence the formulation of national policy, contributed substantially to the development of important policies during a period of vital and unusual significance to the United States. His wise advice, exceptionally broad experience, and clarity of vision have been acknowledged in the highest councils of our Government. By his dedication and devotion to duty, General Cushman rendered valuable and distinguished service to the nation, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service, and reflecting the highest credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Robert Everton Cushman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5062), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force from April to May 1967, and as Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force; Senior Advisor, I Corps, Republic of Vietnam; and as I Corps Coordinator during operations against an enemy aggressor force in Vietnam from June to December 1967. During this period, Lieutenant General Cushman, with incomparable professional skill and determination, directed his forces against the communist insurgents and North Vietnamese army forces. Fully recognizing the problems posed by a tenacious and unscrupulous enemy in the field, Lieutenant General Cushman brought innovative and positive leadership to the conduct of the war which, tempered by his originality and thoughtful understanding of human values, fundamentally assisted the Republic of Vietnam in countering the communist threat to their security and freedom. By his courageous devotion to duty, Lieutenant General Cushman rendered valuable and distinguished service and contributed greatly to the success of friendly forces engaged in the Vietnamese campaign, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Robert Everton Cushman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5062), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force; Senior Advisor, I Corps Tactical Zone; and I Corps Coordinator for United States/Free World Military Assistance Forces, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1 January 1968 to 26 March 1969. Throughout the cited period, General Cushman performed his myriad, demanding duties with superb leadership and exceptional professionalism. During this period when United States and Free World Military Assistance Forces were rapidly increasing in size and complexity, his unerring ability to make sound and timely decisions, and coordinate their execution enabled his command to integrate and employ United States and Free World military units into a cohesive, flexible force. Drawing on his extensive field experience and broad tactical and strategic knowledge, he analyzed operational problems and provided sound direction to his staff and to subordinate commanders that played a vital role in the success of seventy-three major combat operations. Displaying exceptional skill and tact, he was uniquely successful in dealing effectively with Republic of Vietnam and Republic of Korea commanders, and was instrumental in the successful, coordinated efforts among allied forces in the I Corps Tactical Zone. By his dynamic leadership, exceptional military skill, and unswerving devotion to duty, General Cushman’s performance reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Robert Everton Cushman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5062), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from February 1973 through June 1975 while Commandant of the Marine Corps. During this period marked by uncommon international tension, General Cushman’s unfailing leadership contributed immeasurably to the high standard of readiness of the Marine Corps and its capability to deploy amphibious forces rapidly and effectively throughout the world in support of national objectives and global commitments. A man of rare vision and strong determination, General Cushman has been catalytic in the molding of a combat committed Marine Corps while at the same time greatly enhancing the enviable traditional standards of that force. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Cushman’s comprehensive knowledge of political considerations, operational judgment, and deep understanding of national purpose allowed him to make substantive contributions that were both admired and respected for their perception and incisiveness. By his significant achievements, unflagging patriotism, and steadfast dedication, General Cushman rendered valuable and distinguished service to the United States, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.