The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Robert Belleau Burlin (ASN: 0-25484), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from October 1961 to September 1971. During this period Colonel Burlin served consecutively as Chief, Nuclear Power Field Office, and then as Director, United States Army Engineer Reactors Group, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and concurrently as Assistant Director, Army Reactors, Division of Reactor Development, United States Atomic Energy Commission and Chief, Nuclear Power Division, Office, Chief of Engineers, United States Army, Washington, D.C.; as Commanding Officer, 555th Engineer Group, United States Army Europe, and then as Chief, Military Operations Division, Office of the Engineer, Headquarters, United States Army Europe and SEVENTH Army; as Chief, Engineer Division, and then as Deputy Commander, United States Army Engineer Construction Agency, Vietnam; as Deputy Director of Military Engineering, Office, Chief of Engineers, United States Army, Washington, D.C.; and as Army Member, Military Studies and Liaison Division, Weapons Systems Evaluation Group, Office, Secretary of Defense, Arlington, Virginia. In each of these responsible positions Colonel Burlin demonstrated inspiring leadership, professional competence, and administrative excellence. By his exceptional scientific knowledge, planning ability, and positive approach to challenging problems, he played a major role in the development of training and the establishment of a thoroughly competent military group to support military reactors; he improved the operational and material readiness of units within his area of responsibility; and made valuable contributions to the success of complex studies and analyses relevant to the mission of the Corps of Engineers and the Weapons Systems Evaluation Group. His professional skill, diligence, and devotion to duty furthered the progress of programs of major importance to the National Defense effort, and earned the high regard of all associated with him. Colonel Burlin’s distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit on him and the military service.

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 (Corps of Engineers) Robert Belleau Burlin (ASN: 0-25484), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 555th Engineer Group (Combat), and Chief, Military Operations Division, Office of the Engineer, Headquarters, United States Army, Europe and SEVENTH Army, from August 1966 to June 1968. Colonel Burlin displayed the highest order of leadership by overcoming severe shortages of personnel and equipment and a marginal training and maintenance program at the 555th Engineer Group. Through his imaginative efforts, the proficiency of his command was raised to a level which more than met combat readiness requirements. In the area of Atomic Demolition Munitions, Colonel Burlin’s training methods were particularly noteworthy, as he maintained this priority mission at the highest standards of performance. As Chief, Military Operations Division, Colonel Burlin again displayed characteristic outstanding leadership qualities in a division that was critically short of qualified personnel and yet had been charged with an unusually heavy workload. His exceptional abilities in planning and executing important projects were keynoted by his superior performance as SEVENTH Army Engineer during Exercise FRONT and CENTRE and his development of the Engineer portions of the complex Command, Control and Logistics Study – 1970. Colonel Burlin’s distinguished performance of duty has been in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army, and reflects the highest great upon himself and the military service.

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 (Corps of Engineers) Robert Belleau Burlin (ASN: 0-25484), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period July 1968 to July 1969 while serving consecutively as Chief, Engineering Division and as Deputy Commander, Engineering Division, United States Army Engineer Construction Agency, Vietnam. As Chief, Engineering Division, he developed a comprehensive construction management program utilizing the latest operation research and systems analysis techniques. Building around a previously initiated data processing reporting system, Colonel Burlin directed that an automated analysis system be developed to quickly digest, compute and display construction information that would be meaningful to management. This management system which Colonel Burlin started as Chief of the Engineering Division has continued to develop under his encouragement as Deputy Commander to a point of sophistication unknown before in an active theater of operation. 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. Colonel Burlin’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.