The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to General Bruce Palmer, Jr. (ASN: 0-20117), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commander in Chief, United Sates Readiness Command, from February 1973 to August 1974. In this position of national importance, General Palmer insured that the combat-ready general purpose units of the Army and Air Force based in the united States attained and maintained the capability to reinforce other unified commands at any time, anywhere in the world in support of national policy. Under General Palmer’s supervision these diverse Army and Air Force units were welded into a coordinated, responsive, flexible joint combat team. To this end, joint training exercises were conducted which realistically prepared the Command to meet the wide variety of tactical and strategic missions which have marked the post-Vietnam era. General Palmer’s extraordinary talents and leadership inspired the highest level of achievement from all with whom he came in contact. His exceptional accomplishments during this period are typical of his performance throughout a long and brilliant career of devoted service. A grateful Nation recognizes that General Palmer’s contributions to national security constitute distinguished service in the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Bruce Palmer, Jr. (ASN: 0-20117), United States Army, for eminently meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, while serving in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from September 1963 to April 1965 as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Operations for Plans and Operations, and later as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Operations, United States Army. During this period General Palmer carried out his significant responsibilities in a conspicuously outstanding manner. Through his objectivity, broad knowledge of strategic planning, capability for developing force requirements, and overall monitorship of the employment of combat forces, General Palmer insured maximum effectiveness and utilization of Army forces world-wide in the fulfillment of national goals and the National Military Program. His inspiring leadership, sound judgment, and tenacious devotion to duty were particularly manifest in his untiring efforts to assure requisite support and response to the critical situation in Southeast Asia. As the principal advisor to the Chief of Staff, United States Army on joint matters, and as the Army Operations Deputy, General Palmer’s professional and diplomatic acumen combined with his extensive experience in military operations, made a marked contribution to the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Palmer’s outstanding accomplishments and distinguished performance of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to General Bruce Palmer, Jr. (ASN: 0-20117), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from July 1968 to January 1973, as the Vice Chief of Staff, United States Army. General palmer’s background as an outstanding combat leader, and experienced trainer and educator of military personnel, and a successful manager of personnel and materiel resources made him uniquely qualified to play a major role in guiding the Army through a period of dramatic change. During his tour the strength of the Army varied from a high of over one and hone-half million military personnel, with a heavy concentration in combat activities in Southeast Asia, to the present force level of less than 900,000, most of which is in the United States and Europe. The difficult and complex restructuring and realignment of the Army into a smaller, highly professional force was accomplished with maximum efficiency largely as a result of General Palmer’s imagination, foresight, judgment, and sound guidance. General palmer directed the Army Staff with skill and purpose, simultaneously increasing the army potential for mission performance while insuring the best interests of its members and their families. He was ever mindful of the importance and special capabilities of all elements of the United States Army–active duty, reserve components, and Department of the Army civilians–and he achieved notable success in fostering the appropriate contribution of each to the accomplishment of the Army’s missions. General palmer was instrumental in initiating and guiding current actions designated to improve the organizational structure of the Army, with the objective of enhancing readiness and mission capability, strengthening management, and increasing efficiency in the utilization of resources. Possessed of a rare ability to communicate easily with military and civilian personnel at all levels, General palmer was especially effective in representing the Army both to the public and within the military community. He served frequently as Acting Chief of Staff, including an unprecedented term of continuous service in this role from 1 July through 11 October 1972, during which he managed the world-wide Army Establishment with consummate skill. General Palmer’s exceptional achievements, professional acumen, and dedication to duty won him the greatest admiration and respect of all with whom he worked, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Bruce Palmer, Jr. (ASN: 0-20117), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from March 1967 to December 1967, while serving successively as Commanding General, II Field Forces Vietnam and as Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Republic of Vietnam. During this period, General Palmer, though faced with primitive facilities and the uncertainty and duress of an undefined battle field, worked unceasingly and with great dedication to insure the logistical support necessary to sustain the Army’s units in Vietnam and expert maximum pressure on the communist aggressor. His brilliant leadership and dedication to the cause of freedom have been of critical importance in maintaining a solid, militarily successful force eminently capable of resisting and overcoming the threat to the Republic of Vietnam’s independence and freedom. Lieutenant General Palmer’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the utmost credit upon himself, the military service and the United States Government.