Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel Randolph Carter Berkeley (MCSN: 0-89), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Second Brigade, United States Marine Corps, operating in the Republic of Nicaragua from 23 June 1928 to 10 April 1929. During much of this period a spirit of political unrest accompanied by lawlessness and banditry, pervaded the country to such an extent as to generally endanger life and property. Despite these adverse conditions Colonel Berkeley distinguished himself by the display of wisdom, tact, zeal and energy in the coordination of effort of the various commanding officers and staff officers over a very widespread area to the end that the policies and general plans of the Brigade Commander were successfully and expeditiously carried out which resulted in the pacification of the country and restoration of law and order.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua)

    Action Date:

    Spring 1927
    Authority – USMC CommuniquŽ: 089-1-3 (21 December 1927)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel Randolph Carter Berkeley (MCSN: 0-89), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service to the government in a duty of responsibility in command of the 11th Regiment in Nicaragua in the Spring of 1927 and later Chief of Staff to the Commanding General, during difficult and important pacification problems in connection with an insurrection in that country. Largely through his zeal, tact, energy and loyalty the successful outcome of operations in the difficult Leon and Chinandega areas was accomplished.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    2d Advanced Base Regiment

    Action Date:

    April 21 – 22, 1914
    War Department, General Orders No. 177 (December 4, 1915)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major Randolph Carter Berkeley (MCSN: 0-89), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914, while serving with the First Battalion, 2d Advanced Base Regiment (Marines). Major Berkeley was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting of both days, and exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through action. His cool judgment and courage, and his skill in handling his men in encountering and overcoming the machinegun and rifle fire down Cinco de Mayo and parallel streets account for the small percentage of the losses of Marines under his command.