The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in positions of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, from April 1965 to June 1967, as Commander in Chief Atlantic, Commander in Chief U. S. Atlantic Fleet, Commander in Chief Western Atlantic Area, and Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. Admiral Moorer demonstrated outstanding leadership and notable operational and planning ability in successfully accomplishing the missions of these vital commands during a period of continued unrest and tension in the world. During the Dominican crisis of 1965 – 66, he directed military operations with utmost professionalism, judgment and diplomacy, resulting in a cease-fire, politico-military stabilization of the situation, establishment of an interim government, the election of a president in a free and democratic election, and finally the orderly and peaceful withdrawal of U.S. forces. As Commander in Chief Atlantic Command, Admiral Moorer conducted Exercise CLOVE HITCH III which thoroughly validated contingency plans and established the readiness of the Army, Navy and Air Force forces employed. In this role as Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, Admiral Moorer foresaw the need, and initiated a major revision in NATO maritime strategy, involving the preparation of detailed plans to meet a far wider spectrum of Allied contingencies at sea than has heretofore been contemplated. In addition, his preparation and conduct of major maritime exercises; his development of the concept of a Standing Naval Force for Allied Command Atlantic; and his assistance in establishing the Iberian Atlantic Command Headquarters resulted in major contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Admiral Moorer’s dedicated and inspired performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Admiral [then Vice Admiral]Division:
7th FleetAction Date:
October 1962 – June 1964
Board Serial 832 (December 17, 1964)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral [then Vice Admiral] Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander of the SEVENTH Fleet during the period October 1962 to June 1964. Admiral Moorer demonstrated superb leadership and a phenomenal grasp of tactical and strategic considerations in maintaining a high level of readiness in the SEVENTH Fleet during a period of markedly increased tension when the forces under his command were called upon to make a myriad of exigencies spread over a vast area including a unique call at a Pacific Soviet port of the South China Sea, and establishment of a U.S. Naval presence across the broad expanse of the Indian Ocean by the Concord Squadron. Admiral Moorer’s brilliant management of available resources insured rapid and effective response in contingencies where the maintenance of the most delicate balance of power were in the highest national interest. Through his superior understanding of inherent politico-military considerations, and by his close personal relationship with the Chiefs of State and other leaders in the Far East, he contributed materially toward strengthening the bond between the United States and her allies. His outstanding professional skill, leadership, and devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement and heroic conduct as Commander of a Patrol Plane on a hazardous round-trip flight from Darwin, Australia to Beco, Island of Timor, on the afternoon and night of 24 May 1942. In an undefended, comparatively slow flying boat, Lieutenant Moorer braved an area dominated by enemy air superiority, effected a precarious landing in the open sea at dusk and took off at night in the midst of threatening swells, with a heavily loaded airplane. His superb skill and courageous determination in organizing and executing this perilous mission resulted in the delivery of urgently needed supplies to a beleaguered garrison and the evacuation of eight seriously wounded men who otherwise might have perished.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
AdmiralDivision:
Joint Chiefs of StaffAction Date:
January 1973 – June 1974
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from January 1973 to June 1974. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Moorer has played the key role in helping shape and monitor all aspects of Department of Defense participation in national security. He has been an active and extremely effective link between the Secretary of Defense and all components of the Department of Defense. His tireless efforts to improve the security and well-being of our country together with his superb knowledge of strategic, political, fiscal and manpower realities have resulted in his making highly significant contributions to the nation’s defense effort. He has been ever mindful of the fact that no matter how complex the weapons of war, man is still the essential element of defense. He has created an environment in which people consistently give the extra effort necessary to achieve excellence. The impressive record of service established by Admiral Moorer as the nation’s seventh Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had its genesis in a distinguished naval career spanning four decades and three armed conflicts. His contributions to the nation’s seapower during that period are well known. In being nominated by the President on 14 April 1970, to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Moorer’s forceful and aggressive leadership abilities were tapped for the higher duty and responsibility of being our country’s senior military officer. His appointment in 1972 to an additional two-year term reaffirmed the need for these qualities. His distinguished contributions to the major important defense issues of today have been instrumental in assuring that our nation’s defense capabilities remain second to none. This gifted man, whose experience and hard penetrating questions have been so valuable to me in my first year as Secretary of Defense, has not escaped the frustrations that accrue to high office in these times. I particularly note that Admiral Moorer has always put his country’s interest before anything else, and it is this quality I recognize in presenting him the only oak leaf cluster ever given to the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. Admiral Moorer’s vitality, versatility, competence and dedication are in the highest traditions of military service to the United States of America, and reflect great credit upon himself, all military services, and the Department of Defense.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
AdmiralDivision:
Joint Chiefs of StaffAction Date:
July 1970 – January 1973
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from July 1970 through January 1973. Admiral Moorer has devoted his utmost efforts to maintaining and improving the security of the United States and its allies. Admiral Moorer has carried the heavy responsibilities of the country’s senior military officer with great distinction during a crucial period in the history of the United States. He has been relied upon extensively by the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense for advice and counsel, which has invariably been characterized by thoroughness, accuracy and wisdom. His personal diplomacy with the governments and military leaders of other nations has strengthened our alliances and given credence to the validity of the Nixon Doctrine. His great breadth of experience and knowledge make Admiral Moorer of key importance to the interests of his nation in vitally important negotiations, such as those on Strategic Arms Limitations, Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions and Incidents at Sea. Admiral Moorer’s experience, judgment and guidance have been of great importance in the orderly functioning of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in assuring due consideration is given to the views of all elements of the Armed Forces of the United States in the national security decision making process. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Moorer reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
AdmiralDivision:
Joint Chiefs of StaffAction Date:
July 1970 – July 1974
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from July 1970 to July 1974. In this capacity, Admiral Moorer rendered sage advice on matters of the highest priority to the President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. His counsel was characterized by thoroughness, accuracy and wisdom, and his understanding of the many complex problems of national security justified the confidence placed in him by the highest authorities in the nation. Displaying the utmost in personal tact and diplomacy with government and military leaders of other nations, Admiral Moorer was instrumental in strengthening their respect for the United States which was vital to the perpetuation of international defense. His contributions to the Strategic Arms Limitations talks were of key importance to the interests of the United States in these vitally important negotiations. By his professional expertise and inspiring devotion to duty, Admiral Moorer rendered valuable and distinguished service and contributed significantly to the success of the mission of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Patrol Squadron 22 (VP-22)Action Date:
February 19, 1942
Board of Awards: Serial 672 (December 22, 1942)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for extremely gallant and intrepid conduct as Pilot of a patrol plane in Patrol Squadron TWENTY-TWO (VP-22) during and following an attack by enemy Japanese aircraft in the vicinity of Cape Diemen, Australia, on 19 February 1942. Although Lieutenant Moorer and his co-pilot were wounded in the attack, he succeeded in landing his badly damaged and blazing plane. His courage and leadership during a subsequent attack upon the rescue ship and while undergoing hardships and dangers of returning the survivors to the Australian mainland were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Operations from August 1967 to January 1969. Admiral Moorer provided forceful and aggressive leadership during a period of increasing worldwide commitments and continuous combat operations against enemy forces in Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, significant improvements in the management of the naval establishment were achieved, and decisions of far-reaching significance to the posture and capabilities of tomorrow’s Navy were made. Admiral Moorer’s perceptive grasp of the operational requirements and problems of our naval forces in Southeast Asia, his keen foresight, and his consummate professional skill enabled him to provide brilliant direction to the Navy’s fulfillment of its mission in the Vietnam conflict. Demonstrating extraordinary managerial ability, he afforded the guidance and the support needed at all levels of the Navy. His ability to see and to appraise all sides of an issue and his capacity for the tactful and diplomatic resolution of differing views or incompatible requirements have generated a sincere loyalty and a profound admiration in all with whom he has served and have enhanced the team spirit which is so vital to effective organizational effort. Throughout, he has manifested a thorough understanding and a deep appreciation of the basic, central role which our service men and women and their families play in the achievement and maintenance of a dynamic, versatile, and responsive Navy. By his dedicated application of his vast professional ability, and by his selfless devotion to the important duties of his office, Admiral Moorer rendered distinguished service of inestimable value to the Nation, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 4157 (September 20, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Force Gunnery and Tactical Officer on the Staff of Commander Air Force, Atlantic Fleet, from January 1944 to September 1945. Exercising initiative and sound judgment in the execution of his varied duties, Commander Moorer planned and supervised the development and practical application of tactics, doctrines and training methods relating to anti-submarine warfare and gunnery; supervised many experimental and developmental projects; and coordinated information on enemy tactics and countermeasures. In addition, he inspected the gunnery departments of operating units and the tactical training facilities of Air Force, Atlantic Fleet; directed the training programs of anti-submarine squadrons; and supervised the rocket training of other squadrons. By his outstanding executive ability, Commander Moorer contributed materially to the combat effectiveness of aircraft in anti-submarine warfare. His leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Board Serial 850 (June 5, 1970)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as the Chief of Naval Operations from August 1967 to July 1970. A natural leader with great practical values, prudence and understanding, Admiral Moorer, during three years as the Chief of Naval Operations, charted for the Navy a course for the future which will insure to the United States the sustaining of her maritime power in the decades ahead. Attesting to this is the Navy’s current program of ship and aircraft modernization, broad ins cope, dramatic in future impact, and essential to the security of our nation. Concurrently, and during sustained combat in Southeast Asia, forces of the United States Navy have been ready and effective in worldwide support of United States foreign policy and national strategy. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Moorer, through his statesmanship and superb understanding of the factors which influence the formulation of national policy, contributed substantially to the development of important policies during a period of vital and unusual significance to the United States. His wise advice, exceptional judgment, and clarity of vision have been acknowledged in the highest councils of our Government. In his role as Chief of his service, Admiral Moorer consistently displayed strength of character, a warm personality and a deep understanding of people, resulting in the finest in inspirational leadership–leadership which has had a positive influence on Naval personnel of all ranks and grades. By his dedicated and distinguished service, Admiral Moorer has contributed greatly to the success of the United States and friendly forces engaged in combat and in protection of the citizens of all free nations, thereby upholding and contributing to the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
AdmiralDivision:
Joint Chiefs of StaffAction Date:
July 1970 – July 1974
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Admiral Moorer distinguished himself as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 2 July 1970 to 2 July 1974. In meeting his responsibility as military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense, Admiral Moorer represented the views of each Service and gained for himself the highest praise and admiration of all. His clear understanding of tasks and objectives, and his outstanding leadership, exceptional professionalism and foresight have contributed significantly to the advancement of United States and Free World interests. Admiral Moorer’s advocacy of Air Power as an essential element in the development of national security policy has been instrumental in the maintenance of a strong and responsive Air Force for the future. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Moorer culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Armed Forces of the United States, and the United States of America.