The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Officer in Tactical Command of a special force assigned to important duty in connection with salvaging heavily damaged ships in enemy waters during the period 13 to 17 October 1944. By his skillful and outstanding leadership in coordinating the units of his command, he contributed greatly to the withdrawal of two heavy ships from close proximity to enemy territory. Throughout this period of four days, the task group of which he commanded a unit, was under threat of enemy surface and submarine attack and was under persistent enemy air attack. He contributed courageous and inspiring leadership to the officers and men under his command and at all times his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 with Combat “V” to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Cruiser Support Unit operating with the SECOND Carrier Task Force, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific Waters from 1 July to 15 August 1945. Participating in strikes against Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido, Vice Admiral Wiltse skillfully supervised his command during long and rigorous operations and, by his tireless efforts, maintained the ships of his division in a high state of combat readiness and fighting efficiency. His leadership throughout this period of unremitting offensive activity was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Vice Admiral Wiltse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

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 Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Lloyd Jerome Wiltse (NSN: 0-8631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Cruiser Division TEN during the first bombardment of the Japanese Mainland at Kamaishi on 14 July 1945; the bombardment of Hamamatau on the night of 29 – 30 July 1945; and the second bombardment of Kamaishi on 9 August 1945. A skilled and efficient leader, Vice Admiral Wiltse ably commanded the heavy cruisers of Task Unit 34.8.1 during these important engagements and contributed materially to the successful outcome of these operations. His personal courage, determination and professional skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Vice Admiral Wiltse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)