The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Tullis Joseph Woodham, Jr. (MCSN: 0-53444), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as the Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 17 February to 5 September 1968. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Woodham performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Expeditiously displacing his battalion from the United States to the combat zone, and assuming responsibility for a large sector of the Da Nang Tactical area, he skillfully organized his unit into an effective fighting force, established a firm defensive perimeter and conducted continuous patrolling activities which countered repeated attempts by the enemy to penetrate the area. Participating in numerous major combat operations, Lieutenant Colonel Woodham frequently disregarded his own safety while coordinating supporting fires and maneuvering his unit into advantageous fighting positions. In July 1968, he led his battalion to the Go Noi Island area and conducted operations which destroyed a large enemy staging area and thwarted the North Vietnamese Army’s plans for a major assault against the Da Nang complex. His resolute determination and indomitable fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurable to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his professionalism, dynamic leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Woodham rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Woodham is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)