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 Colonel (Infantry) William Ross Bond (ASN: 0-1012727), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in positions of responsibility as Chief, Plans and Policies Division, Special Warfare Directorate, and then as Deputy Director of Special Warfare, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Operations, Headquarters, Department of the Army, during the period July 1962 to May 1964. Colonel Bond demonstrated outstanding ability as a military leader, administrator, planner, and diplomat during a period of rapid expansion and intense national-level emphasis upon special warfare techniques. He was highly effective in fulfilling responsibilities which included the development and review of plans and policies on the Army, joint, and interdepartmental levels covering doctrine, organization, training, operations, logistics, personnel, public information, research and development for unconventional warfare, psychological operations, and counterinsurgency. Through his discernment, rare foresight, and professional acumen, he insured the development and implementation of sound Army policy and rendered services which were of benefit to other elements of the Department of Defense as well as to the Army. By his personal example, thorough knowledge of staff procedures, and dedicated devotion to duty, he engendered maximum effort among staff members and contributed materially to the efficient administration of the Army’s manifold special warfare responsibilities. Colonel Bond’s outstanding achievements and distinguished performance of duty throughout this period are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) William Ross Bond (ASN: 0-1012727), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1965 to August 1967. As Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and later as Chief of Staff, United States Military Assistance Command, Thailand, Colonel Bond displayed singularly outstanding military professionalism and leadership in the conception, planning and introduction of the Royal Thai Armed Forces of new concepts for management and organization enhancing the effectiveness of the counterinsurgency effort and the Military Assistance Program for Thailand. The bilateral force development program, bilateral training development program and combat readiness reporting system instituted through his efforts have contributed significantly to the modernization of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. He orchestrated USMACTHAI activities which resulted in timely United States Force deployment, the success of which is manifested by the effective United States Air Force air operations launched from Thailand, and the training assistance provided by United States Army Special Forces elements. As military representative to United States Mission Planning Groups, he was instrumental in forging exceptionally effective mission integrated United States military programs for the support of the Thai Counterinsurgency effort. He provided superb executive leadership of the Joint Staff which significantly expedited the work of the headquarters and greatly facilitated accomplishment of the command mission. Colonel Bond’s distinguished performance of duty during this period represents outstanding achievement and reflects the utmost credit upon himself, the Military Service and the United States.