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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Mastoris, Jr. (ASN: 0-62521), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period July 1967 to July 1968, while serving consecutively as Chief, Force Development and Training Division, G3 Section, Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam and Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light) in the Republic of Vietnam. In the position of Chief, Force Development and Training Division, Colonel Mastoris was responsible for developing the force structure of II Field Force Vietnam during the critical month preceding the enemy’s Tet Offensive. His superb organization of responsibility was highly instrumental in providing the basic combat power which later defeated the enemy within the III Corps Tactical Zone. Through his efforts, new units arriving in Vietnam to reinforce II Field Force tactical area of responsibility were smoothly received and trained. He demonstrated remarkable planning abilities in the establishment of stringent security measures for the visit to Vietnam by the President of the United States. As Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, Colonel Mastoris was responsible for the defense of the major portion of the critical Bien Hoa rocket belt. Reacting to reported enemy rocket launching sites, he directed air strikes and artillery fire upon the suspected sides and maneuvered two elements to sweep the area, thereby dealing the enemy a crushing defeat. Under his astute supervision, seven fire support bases were established in War Zone D which greatly aided in preventing enemy infiltration into the city of Saigon. By his extensive knowledge of military tactics, dynamic leadership and astute judgment, Lieutenant Colonel Mastoris contributed immeasurably to the United States counterinsurgency effort in the Republic of Vietnam. His professional competence and outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
4th BattalionRegiment:
12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate)Action Date:
May 6, 1968
Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 672 (July 13, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Mastoris, Jr. (ASN: 0-62521), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 6 May 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate), in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, the battalion fire support base was raked by enemy fire. Reacting instantly, Lieutenant Colonel Mastoris ordered his command and control helicopter to pick him up at the fire support base. After boarding the helicopter in a hail of enemy fire, he directed his pilot to fly slowly and at low altitudes over the battle area. Ignoring the fire directed at his ship, he continued to orbit the area, coordinating the fire and movement of two friendly companies. As a result of his courageous leadership, the two companies were able to close in on the enemy. When one of the companies lost communications, he ordered his pilot to land in a bullet swept landing zone and then courageously moved across an open field to reach the unit’s location. Coordinating with the company commander, he openly moved about the company area, giving encouragement to the troops as well as pinpointing enemy positions. Returning to the air, he personally directed the final maneuvers to smash the enemy. His extraordinary leadership, calm and deliberate actions and constant selflessness in the face of unrelenting hostile fire were directly responsible for the defeat of a large enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Mastoris’ deep concern for his men and great personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
July 1, 1977 – July 31, 1980
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 3303 (July 12, 1968)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 Mastoris, Jr. (ASN: 0-62521), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service from 1 July 1977 to 31 July 1980 while serving consecutively as Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, United States Army Support Command, Hawaii, and then, upon activation of Headquarters, United States Army Western Command, as Commander, United States Army Support Command, Hawaii, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. As Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, Colonel Mastoris guided and coordinated the operation of Army activities throughout the State of Hawaii and the Middle Pacific Area. He orchestrated the planning and preparation for the reorganization of United States Army Support Command, Hawaii, in conjunction with the establishment of a major army command in Hawaii, with great skill and sound judgment, and he participated in the activation of the United States Army Western Command and the implementation of these plans. Upon his retirement, Colonel Mastoris is recognized for his distinguished performance of duty which represents outstanding achievement in the highest traditions of the United States Army.