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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Anthony Peter DeLuca (ASN: 0-68506), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period September 1968 to June 1971. As Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the 2d Regiment, United States Corps of Cadets, from September 1968 to August 1969, Colonel DeLuca distinguished himself by exercising sound judgment, wisdom, and outstanding leadership in the direction and supervision of the officers, noncommissioned officers, cadets and civilian personnel of the Regiment. The sympathetic understanding and innovative skills which he displayed in his daily contact with cadets of the regiment enabled him to instill in all he came in contact with a keen sense of duty as well as a sincere appreciation for the mission of the United States Military Academy. As S1, United States Corps of Cadets, from August 1969 to June 1971, Colonel DeLuca worked tirelessly to insure that the concept of duty, honor, and loyalty to country were instilled in all cadets. Under his perceptive supervision, sound judgment, and unlimited professional competence many more programs were initiated that will have a lasting impact in producing the finest possible graduates and Army officers. His total dedication to the Academy’s motto of “Duty, Honor, Country” and his selfless approach to his work have resulted in this officer reflecting great credit upon him, the United States Military Academy, 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) Anthony Peter DeLuca (ASN: 0-68506), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period January to August 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While serving in this position Colonel DeLuca made great strides in the development and implementation of the military assistance program in Long An Province. His dynamic leadership and technical expertise were instrumental in maintaining the initiative on the battlefield and developing a progressive program of pacification in the province. He encouraged a unique and novel experiment in which the battalion took residence in a portion of the town of Rach Kien, and this helped to create an atmosphere of understanding and rapport between the troops and the villagers. Tremendous joint projects were initiated which resulted in remarkable improvements in the living standards of the people. During the joint North Vietnamese Army/Viet Cong Tet Offensive, Colonel DeLuca’s personal bravery and inspiring leadership were key factors in his battalion’s convincing victory in the battle of Ben Tre. Further, in the battles on the outskirts of the city of Saigon, his expert handling of the tactical situation and unrelenting determination ensured the destruction of the insurgent forces. Through his thorough knowledge of infantry tactics, singular initiative and intense devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel DeLuca significantly enhanced the mission of the 9th Infantry Division 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Anthony Peter DeLuca (ASN: 0-68506), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period 1 June 1972 to 30 June 1975. Colonel DeLuca retires from active duty with the United States Army on 30 June 1975, thus closing out twenty-two years of dedicated and outstanding service to his country. During this time he served in numerous positions of high responsibility and leadership both in peace time and in war. Whether as combat commander, staff officer or instructor, he has stood in the forefront of his contemporaries. In his most recent assignment as Commandant, United States Military Academy Preparatory School, his personal, innovative and dynamic leadership resulted in a significant increase in the number of better-qualified Cadet Candidates entering West Point. He has greatly enhanced the prestige of the Preparatory School, the Military Academy and the United States Army through his enthusiastic and articulate manner of communication with senior military and governmental officials as well as the civilian community. His total dedication during his career epitomizes the West Point Motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” Colonel DeLuca, both by his example and through unselfish service, has made an outstanding and significant contribution to his country, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army.