The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Burton Beecher Biggs (NSN: 0-56836), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Logistics Officer on the staff of the Commander FIFTH Fleet from 5 August 1943 to 5 August 1945. During this period he participated in the operations to capture and occupy positions in the Gilbert, Marshall and Mariana Islands, and at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, and in the carrier raids of Truk, Palau, Tokyo, and Kyushu and enemy fleet units in the Inland Sea. Captain Biggs, as advisor to the Commander FIFTH Fleet for logistic, pioneered the development of mobile service squadrons to provide complete logistic services to the Fleet at sea and in the forward areas. His contribution to the development of the technique of rearming all types of Fleet units at sea was particularly valuable and made possible the long period of sustained combat operations units of the Fast Carrier Force during the Okinawa operation. His vision, initiative, sound judgment, and ability to get things done were of great value to the Commander FIFTH Fleet and contributed materially to the success of FIFTH Fleet operations. His outstanding performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Biggs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Service Squadron 3Action Date:
February 29 – November 21, 1952
Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 18638 (November 30, 1953)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 Rear Admiral Burton Beecher Biggs (NSN: 0-56836), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Service Squadron THREE and Commander Task Force NINETY-TWO during operations against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces in Korea from 29 February to 21 November 1952. Rear Admiral Biggs was responsible for providing logistic support to combat units in Korean waters. He displayed initiative, foresight and professional skill in directing the operations of this large and miscellaneous force of service and auxiliary vessels. He pioneered new concepts of mobile logistic support and underway replenishment. His continual emphasis on mobility resulted in a logistic force capable of following combatant units wherever needed. Through development of technique of underway replenishment, he was instrumental in the SEVENTH Fleet’s ability to maintain almost continual pressure on the enemy in Korea, reducing to a minimum the necessity for trips into port for upkeep and replenishment. His interest in improving the replenishment services resulted in an outstanding performance by the ships under his command in numerous records being established. Rear Admiral Biggs’ service as Commander Service Squadron THREE and Commander Task Force NINETY-TWO contributed directly to the success of the United Nations’ efforts in the Korean campaign. His devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Biggs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Action Date:
December 1941 – July 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] Burton Beecher Biggs (NSN: 0-56836), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Appointment Officer in the Bureau of navigation (later Bureau of Naval Personnel), from the outbreak of hostilities to July 1943. Anticipating the need of new legislation providing financial assistance to dependents of personnel lost in the service of the Navy, Captain Biggs was instrumental in drafting the Missing Persons Act passed by the Congress in March 1942, and in recommending necessary changes desired by his Bureau. In addition, he aided in planning the Servicemen’s Dependents Allowance Act of 1942, and in formulating the joint policies for administration of the legislation. When tremendous casualties were sustained by out forces at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines, Captain Biggs rendered invaluable service in developing an organization and plans to handle these cases expeditiously and with special attention toward comforting the bereaved families and alleviating their financial distress. Working zealously toward the expansion and efficient administration of his department, he made an outstanding contribution to the essential operations in the Office of the Director of Officer Personnel and the entire Bureau of Naval Personnel. His skill in directing the initial phases of the war Casualties and Allotment Program during a critical period of the war, and his tact, judgment and conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of the duties connected with his important assignment were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.