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) Robert Lewis Wetzel (ASN: 0-66448), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service. Colonel Wetzel distinguished himself by outstanding service as Team Chief, The Army Personnel Center (TAPCEN) Study Group, then as Deputy Director, later Director of the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center (MILPERCEN) Planning Group, during the period 4 May 1972 through 25 May 1973. In these positions of great responsibility, Colonel Wetzel was responsible for organizing the study group and acted as the Team Chief responsible for developing missions, functions, and organization of the personnel center. As a result of Colonel Wetzel’s singular foresight, aggressiveness, professionalism, unique managerial skills, and his ability to analyze and resolve the complex problems associated with the Army’s personnel system, he produced and obtained approval, within a very short time, a plan for establishment of the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center (MILPERCEN). This far reaching plan has already proven to be workable, and has improved service to the soldier in the field and the chain of command–a keystone of MILPERCEN operations. Based upon his previous knowledge of the plans for MILPERCEN, Colonel Wetzel became Deputy Director, then Director of the MILPERCEN Planning Group. During this period, the detailed time-phased plans were drawn up, and the actual implementation of the plans were accomplished. This included the merger of the Office of Personnel Operations, the Personnel Information Systems Command, major elements of the Office of the Adjutant General, as well as other elements of the Army staff into one organization and the movement of 2,700 people from five different locations in the greater Washington, D.C. area into over 400,000 square feet of the Hoffman Complex in Alexandria, Virginia. Colonel Wetzel’s singular dedication to overcome the inherent difficulties of merger of these diverse elements, with their associated records, office equipment and other items of property; insuring initial coordination of transfer of responsibilities among different directorates; coordination of the move with the various officials of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Army; the Hoffman Company, and the moving concerns was without precedence. That MILPERCEN is today operational, providing service to our soldiers in the field, is testimony to the effectiveness of Colonel Wetzel. Colonel Wetzel’s distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the most honored and cherished traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center, 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 the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Lewis Wetzel (ASN: 0-66448), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period July 1968 to June 1969, while serving consecutively as Executive Officer, 196th Infantry Brigade; Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry; and as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-5, Americal Division. Colonel Wetzel was the hallmark of professional skill and competence. He demonstrated leadership abilities that were remarkable in judgment and results. His inherent ability to grasp and analyze problems of grave and far-reaching consequence enabled him to render flawless decisions. He provided firm and positive command and technical guidance to his staff and unit commanders while at the same time providing them with sufficient latitude to develop operating procedures peculiar to their particular areas of operation. Colonel Wetzel’s foresight and organizational ability were instrumental in the unit’s unprecedented level of accomplishment during a critical period of combat activity. Through his initiative, resourcefulness, adaptability to change and readiness to resort to the expedient he has materially contributed to the Free World effort in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Wetzel’s 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.