The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Robert Bostwick Carney, Jr. (MCSN: 0-10675), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, from February 1970 through June 1972. Responsible for formulating plans, policies and programs relating to Marine Corps manpower and personnel matters in a wide variety of areas, Brigadier General Carney was eminently successful in carrying out his vitally important assignment. Especially notable was his productive efforts in connection with personnel problems in the areas of absenteeism and desertion and drug and alcohol abuse. Also noteworthy was his representation of the Marine Corps at national levels in all matters pertaining to Marines listed as missing in action and those declared prisoners of war. He developed the Marine Corps program in these areas into a model effort. By his superlative performance of duty, Brigadier General Carney contributed significantly toward sustaining the combat readiness of the Marine Corps, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Robert Bostwick Carney, Jr. (MCSN: 0-10675), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in various capacities with the THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, and subsequently with the Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade on Okinawa from 1 November 1968 to 21 November 1969. Throughout this period, Brigadier General Carney performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as the Assistant Division Commander of the THIRD Marine Division, he provided sound recommendations to his commanding general concerning the deployment of subordinate units and the conduct of operations in the northern sector of the I Corps Tactical Zone. In addition, he monitored the activities of all staff sections and established a system of perimeter defenses at the Quang Tri Combat Base, which was widely acclaimed and adopted as a model for all Marine bases in Vietnam. Assuming command of Task Force HOTEL on 1 April 1969, Brigadier General Carney boldly deployed his units over a wide area and commenced a series of aggressive operations, including Operations PURPLE MARTIN and APACHE SNOW, which significantly reduced the enemy’s assets and combat capabilities. Reassigned as the Commanding General of the Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade on 21 May 1969, he quickly familiarized himself with the myriad responsibilities of his large command and displayed exceptional initiative and tactical skill in deploying his ground and air units for participation in amphibious operations. Assuming operational control of the Ninth Marines, THIRED Marine Division, during August, he skillfully adjusted his material resources and was instrumental in the efficient and expeditious relocation of the regiment from Vietnam to Okinawa. By his leadership, extraordinary professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty, Brigadier General Carney rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Brigadier General Carney is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)