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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major (Chaplain) James R. Ritchie, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 18 August 1967 to 30 September 1998. As a culmination to his more than 31 years of faithful duty, he served as Chaplain, 525th Military Intelligence Brigade. While serving in many positions of increased responsibilities, throughout his distinguished career, he consistently manifested outstanding leadership, professionalism, and devotion to duty. His personal motivation and high standards of excellence ensured mission accomplishment during training, field exercises, and deployments, to include Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM and the Republic of Vietnam. Major Ritchie’s exemplary performance of duty during this last period culminates a most distinguished career and is in keeping with the proudest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Air Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain [then Specialist Fourth Class]

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1970 – March 1, 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal (Basic through Second Award) to Captain [then Specialist Fourth Class] James R. Ritchie, United States Army, for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight in support of combat ground forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 24 October 1970 through 1 March 1971. Captain Ritchie actively participated in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. During all of these missions he displayed the highest order of air discipline and acted in accordance with the best traditions of the service. By his determination to accomplish his mission in spite of the hazards inherent in repeated aerial flights over hostile territory and by his outstanding degree of professionalism and devotion to duty, Captain Ritchie’s actions brought credit upon himself, the 224th Aviation Battalion, and the United States Army.