The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Terrell Carley (ASN: 0-27852), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Government of the United States during the period July 1963 to June 1973, in positions of great responsibility culminating as Director, United States Army Operational Test and Evaluation Planning Group; and Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. As Director, United States Army Operational Test and Evaluation Planning Group, he was responsible for formulating the plans for activation of the new Operational Test and Evaluation Agency. This challenging mission was accomplished during a turbulent period of revisions to the materiel acquisition policy and planning for a major reorganization of the Army. General Carley’s dynamic leadership, unique professionalism and incisive analysis provided the planning group the inspiration necessary to accomplish this task. His personal participation in the preparation and presentation of the plan to the Secretary of the Army and senior officials of the Office of the Secretary of Defense resulted in the rapid acceptance of the plan and immediate activation of the Operational Test and Evaluation Agency. General Carley’s personal leadership, integrity, objectivity, and high standards of performance established the keystones for building the new agency. His personal efforts in seeking out and attracting talented people, his recognition of the problems facing the newly assigned personnel in a complex field, his administrative talents, unique managerial ability, and zealous devotion to duty resulted in the Agency’s attaining an operational status at a very early date. His successful establishment of the General Officer Test Schedule and Review Committee and the publication of the Army Five Year Test Program document will provide the Army with powerful management tools for many years to come. As the Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development focal point for user testing, General Carley, with his tactful solutions to problems and rare depth of understanding, contributed to the Army’s acceptance and understanding of the vital role of operational test and evaluation in the materiel acquisition process. General Carley’s performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Terrell Carley (ASN: 0-27852), United States Army, for eminently meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from August 1971 to July 1972, while assigned as Director of Operations, Headquarters, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. General Carley directed and supervised the development of operational concepts and plans for the conduct of contingency operations within and adjacent to the Republic of Vietnam. His personal contributions, both in planning aspects as well as establishment of policies and positions, have significantly influenced the conduct of allied operations in Southeast Asia. His perceptive understanding of the military and political realities affecting operational decisions in Southeast Asia, his unsurpassed talent for organization and management, his capacity for work, and his repeatedly demonstrated ability to produce consistently outstanding results gained General Carley the respect of all who knew him. General Carley’s outstanding professional knowledge and keen analytical ability, coupled with his dedication and extraordinary leadership ability, contributed significantly to the overall accomplishment of United States objectives in the Republic of Vietnam. Major General Carley’s devotion to duty, outstanding leadership and exemplary professionalism are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him, the United States Army, and the United States of America.