The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel John Rendall Braddon (MCSN: 0-57518), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Operations Officer of Marine Aircraft Group THIRTEEN, and subsequently as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR, Marine Aircraft Group THIRTEEN, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 30 January 1969 to 1 September 1969. Throughout this period Lieutenant Colonel Braddon exhibited superior professionalism and outstanding leadership in the performance of his demanding duties. Initially assigned as Group Operations Officer, he displayed exceptional organizational ability in successfully managing and directing the combat operational efforts of the Air Group to meet a constant 1.48 sortie rate with an average of approximately 100 sorties, and 200 tons of ordnance per day and at the same time maintain the capability and flexibility of responding to surges demanded by the daily frag orders. He also insured through proper planning and coordination, a smooth integration of a squadron newly joined from CONUS. This was accomplished without derogation of combat capability while at the same time insuring rapid but judicious exposure of the squadron to combat action. All this Lieutenant Colonel Braddon accomplished while working tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail. He also planned and organized a Wing Missile Shoot at NAS Cubi Point, F.I. This was a complex undertaking involving two separate Air Groups, five aircraft squadrons, and a Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron. Although faced with tremendous coordination problems with Navy, U.S. Air Force, and Marine Corps units, he missile shoot was successfully conducted without requiring a reduction of combat operations. Assuming command of the squadron in July 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Braddon led his squadron in combat, and at the same time prepared it for deployment out of country when directed. Both endeavors he accomplished in an exceptionally outstanding manner. Under his dynamic leadership, his aircrews executed hundreds of sorties and delivered tons of ordnance against heavily-defended targets with maximum effectiveness. His remarkable ability to evaluate operational requirements and initiate appropriate actions earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his leadership, professional acumen, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Braddon rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Braddon is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)