The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Victor Harold Krulak (MCSN: 0-4990), 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, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, from March 1964 to November 1967. During his three and one half years as Commanding General the Marine commitment in Southeast Asia grew from less than a thousand Marines to more than 75,000 in 1967. Simultaneously the strength of the Fleet Marine Force Pacific expanded from 72,000 to more than 123,000 Marines in three Marine Divisions, two Marine Aircraft Wings, a Force Logistic Command and other major supporting units. Tasked with the responsibility of maintaining the units of the Fleet Marine Force Pacific in a continual state of combat readiness during a period of rapid expansion and unprecedented demands, his vision, exceptional leadership and remarkable command ability were of inestimable value in achieving the superb combat posture of the Force in the largest commitment since World War II. Due largely to Lieutenant General Krulak’s exceptional wisdom and superior professional skill, this period of rapid growth was characterized by a brilliant anticipation of requirements and thorough preparations to meet every commitment. As a result of his comprehensive analyses, the Marine Corps was able to lead a force fully trained and equipped in the Republic of Vietnam within forty-eight hours after receipt of the initiating directive. Throughout the period prior to and during the rapid buildup of Marine Forces in Vietnam and nearby support bases, Lieutenant General Krulak made repeated trips to the Western Pacific to observe personally tactical operations in the field, study conditions confronting combat unit commanders, and consult with key persons in the combat zone. Seemingly tireless in his efforts and exhibiting a compassionate concern for the welfare of his Marines engaged in combat, he traveled in excess of hone half million miles and spent more than 200 days with his units in Vietnam. The intricate understanding that he derived from these visits enabled him to ensure that the combat operations in which Marine units were engaged were not hampered or delayed by lack of supplies, equipment or personnel. Displaying exceptional organizational ability and foresight, Lieutenant General Krulak developed the concept of the Force Logistic Command, taking maximum advantage of existing organizations and resources to provide a greatly expanded logistic base specifically adapted to the combat operations in Southeast Asia. Tasked with the responsibility of maintaining Marine forces committed to Vietnam in a continual state of personal readiness, he skillfully devised and implemented programs which have assured the efficient replacement of units and the orderly rotation of over 300,000 Marines to and from Vietnam. His highly successful organization of Western Pacific transient centers has prepared Marines for the demands of combat environments while providing for their personal welfare and interests. Maintaining an extremely arduous schedule, Lieutenant General Krulak exhibited a deep compassion for his troops, making repeated visits, day and night, to medical evacuation aircraft transiting Hawaii with wounded Marines en route to hospitals throughout the United States. He was the principal architect in the establishment and continual expansion of the Marine Corps Civic Action Program which has contributed materially to the alleviation of the suffering of the Vietnamese people and assisted them in embarking on the rebuilding of their nation. Completely dedicated to the realization of the goals of his government, he brought to his duties a degree of determination, wisdom and consummate professional skill which resulted in a major contribution to the effort of the Allied Forces in Vietnam. By his brilliant leadership, resourcefulness and his selfless devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant General Krulak rendered distinguished service to his country and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.