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 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 1962 to July 1965. During this period, Colonel Burlin served as Director, United States Army Engineer Reactors Group, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; as Assistant Director, Army Reactors, Division of Reactor Development, United States Atomic Energy Commission; as Chief, Nuclear Power Division, Office of Director of Military Construction, Office of the Chief of Engineers; and as Special Assistant to The Chief of Engineers for Nuclear Power, Headquarters, Department of the Army. Colonel Burlin’s professional skill, foresight, and harmonious working relationships throughout the military and scientific community were of intrinsic value to the progress of programs in a highly technical field. His technical knowledge, objectivity, and diplomacy were clearly reflected in the development, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants by the three military services. With ingenuity and keen perception, he worked diligently to insure the maximum utilization of resources and skillfully participated in many projects of great technological magnitude. He played a primary role in the establishment of a program to exploit nuclear power which was designed to provide a source of energy to drive military field vehicles. His efforts included the removal of a nuclear power plant employed by the Army in Greenland to permit relocation to another site, demonstrating true portability of the portable nuclear plant concept. Through his inspiring leadership, managerial excellence, and perseverance, coupled with his professional acumen and devotion to duty, he contributed in great measure to the attainment of technical advancements of major significance to the readiness posture of the armed forces of his country and to the welfare of the Nation. Colonel Burlin’s distinguished performance of duty and outstanding achievements throughout this period are in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the highest credit 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 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.