The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Walter Fred Rodee (NSN: 0-60256), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Carrier Division THREE embarked in the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area from 29 June to 19 November 1950. An efficient and resourceful officer, Captain Rodee effectively solved the many complex problems attending the transition from peacetime cruising to the increased activities of combat operations and, by his skillful planning and unlimited industry, permitted his command to set an outstanding record of achievement. By his professional ability and persistent effort, he contributed directly to the success of the operations. His inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Rodee is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walter Fred Rodee (NSN: 0-60256), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Fleet Air, San Diego, and Commander, U.S. Naval Air Bases, ELEVENTH Naval District, from May 1960 to 1 July 1961. Rear Admiral Rodee used his exceptional capabilities in planning and coordinating the smooth merger of naval air bases with the newly established Fleet Air, San Diego, and in eliminating causes of disagreement between the staffs. By close personal attention he avoided duplication of effort and ensured the smooth functioning that provided the maximum of services to the fleet and support for the multitudinous tasks of the aircraft carriers, aircraft squadrons, and Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He contributed immeasurably to the harmonious relations between the military and civilian communities of the area and solved numerous problems to the satisfaction of both. His devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and is in the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Walter Fred Rodee (NSN: 0-60256), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ESSEX during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 12 January to 10 March 1952 and from 28 July to 2 September 1952. A capable and inspiring leader, Captain Rodee discharged his many responsibilities with eminent success throughout these periods, molding his crew and embarked air group into a highly efficient fighting organization despite the numerous obstacles presented by increasing shortages of trained personnel and the deficiencies of material. Exhibiting a thorough understanding of the Naval mission in the Korean conflict, he maintained a high state of morale and combat readiness within his units and applied the striking power of his ship against the enemy with maximum effectiveness. His outstanding professional skill, superb judgment and loyal devotion to the fulfillment of vital operations against the enemy reflect the highest credit upon Captain Rodee and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Rodee is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 8 (AG-8)Division:
U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Walter Fred Rodee (NSN: 0-60256), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 8 (AG-8)Division:
U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8)Action Date:
October 26, 1942
Commander South Pacific: Serial 0110 (January 23, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Walter Fred Rodee (NSN: 0-60256), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished leadership in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Group Commander of Air Group EIGHT (AG-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), in an attack on the enemy near the Santa Cruz Islands, on 26 October 1942. Commander Rodee personally led a group of torpedo and dive bombers in an attack on an enemy force. Although encountering heavy opposition by enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire, under his gallant leadership, the attack was pressed home against an enemy aircraft carrier of the SHOKAKU class, three heavy cruisers and one light cruiser, all of which suffered direct bomb or torpedo hits and were seriously damaged if not sunk. His actions contributed greatly to the heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Walter Fred Rodee (NSN: 0-60256), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Carrier Division THREE, embarked in the U.S.S. BOXER and the U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 26 March to 28 November 1951. A capable and inspiring executive, Captain Rodee discharged his responsibilities with a high degree of skill and resourcefulness and was eminently successful in solving the various problems confronting the command in connection with the execution of coordinated combat air operations against the enemy. His outstanding professional ability, sound judgment and zealous devotion to duty throughout this period were contributing factors in the success achieved by his division and reflect great credit upon Captain Rodee and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Rodee is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)