The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Henry Deas Lesesne, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Navy Department Duty Captain from August 1984 through May 1987 and Deputy Director of the Fleet Operations and Readiness Division on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. from June 1987 through June 1989. Captain Lesesne served with distinction in these positions of significant responsibility and particular sensitivity. An extremely competent and resourceful leader, he was responsible for and directly supervised the operation of the Navy Command Center in providing outstanding support to the Chief of Naval Operations and other senior officials, keeping them fully informed of all significant Navy matters, operational information, and emergencies of Naval or national interest. Captain Lesesne made major contributions to a wide variety of Navy policies and programs, he also continued the development of major improvements in briefing techniques and the update of modern and sophisticated equipment in the Navy Command Center. The broad professional knowledge, keen judgment, and exceptional leadership which he displayed were widely recognized and respected throughout the Department of the Navy and worldwide through the Fleet Commander in Chief’s Operational Command Centers. Captain Lesesne’s professional accomplishments, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Henry Deas Lesesne, United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 1972 to March 1973. By his diligent efforts, exceptional leadership, devotion and loyalty to the United States, and under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. While in daily contact with the North Vietnamese guards and officers, he performed duties in staff positions, maintaining good order and discipline among the prisoners. Under constant harassment from their captors, and due to the frustrations of the prisoners during their long internment, many difficult situations arose, requiring perseverance, endurance and ingenuity. Using his extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sound judgment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Lieutenant Commander Lesesne is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 11, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Lieutenant Commander Henry Deas Lesesne, United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 11, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.