The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin J. Godfrey, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving in various capacities with the THIRD Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 7 October 1968 to 19 August 1969. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Commanding Officer of the Third Shore Party Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey [then a Major] displayed exceptional initiative and resourcefulness as he disregarded his own safety and boldly moved to forward positions to coordinate helicopter re-supply operations and render assistance wherever needed. Under his aggressive leadership his helicopter support teams participated in over 15,000 heliborne re-supply missions in support of numerous major combat operations including Operations KENTUCKY, DEWEY CANYON, and PURPLE MARTIN, and were instrumental in the expeditious and safe movement of in excess of 147 tons of cargo, 12,000 passengers, and hundreds of items of special equipment. In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey monitored his unit’s Civic Action Program and was instrumental in the construction of the Quang Tri Hospital for Children. Reassigned as Operations Officer in the Ninth Marines on 8 March 1969, he skillfully coordinated and supervised the activities of his section and provided outstanding support to his command. A skilled and experienced tactician, he planned and directed the execution of several major combat operations and a series of small unit actions which greatly enhanced the security of Vandegrift Combat Base. When his regiment was directed to displace from Vietnam to Okinawa, Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey was assigned as Officer in Charge of the Advance Echelon and efficiently and expeditiously prepared for the arrival and debarkation of his unit. His resolute determination and seemingly unlimited resourcefulness earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his leadership, extraordinary professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey 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 Godfrey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)