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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Henry William Buse, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4993), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from June 1968 to July 1970. Faced with major revisions in command relationships in the I Corps Tactical Zone, Republic of Vietnam, Lieutenant General Buse provided sound recommendations concerning the conduct of joint and combined military actions and was instrumental in molding United States Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps air elements into a powerful, responsive unified strike force. On sixteen separate occasions, he visited the combat zone and always moved immediately to forward areas to assess operational requirements, investigate problem areas, and encourage and assist his Marines in every way possible. Under Lieutenant General Buse’s dynamic leadership, Marine infantry units were reorganized into well-coordinated, mobile elements, the command’s electronic warfare operational capability increased to a degree unparalleled in Marine aviation history, and numerous major amphibious operations were planned and executed with tremendous success. Additionally, he initiated action to extend the influence of the extremely successful Combined Action Program and directed civic action projects and psychological warfare activities which advanced the influence of the Government of the Republic of Vietnam in the northernmost strife-torn sector of the country and reduced Viet Cong control to a minimum. In June 1969, in response to a directive from the President of the United States, Lieutenant General Buse initiated and supervised the phased withdrawal of Marine units from combat and simultaneously implemented an effective program governing the assumption of increased tactical responsibility by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and the turnover of vacated zones to United States Army elements. Displaying an extraordinary insight into strategic concepts, he effected a redeployment system which ensured maximum utilization of manpower and material assets, resulting in a monetary savings in excess of eighteen million dollars, and reestablished a Pacific Command Amphibious Reserve with the capability of responding instantly to contingencies anywhere. By his brilliant execution of the most complex tasks, and his demonstrated concern for the well-being of all personnel under his command, Lieutenant General Buse contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the mission of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    October 11, 1952 – June 14, 1953
    Commanding General 1st Marine Division: Serial 18217 (May 29, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Henry William Buse, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4993), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during operations against the enemy in Korea, from 11 October 1952 to 14 June 1953. Serving as Chief of Staff, Colonel Buse displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence and fearless leadership in the execution of his duties. Displaying a thorough knowledge of staff functioning, he worked long and strenuous hours with complete disregard for his personal comfort in skillfully coordinating the work of the general and special staff groups. With keen foresight, he supervised the preparation of plans and orders which resulted in promoting the combat efficiency of the Division. He conducted a continuous study of the tactical situation confronting the Division and was at all times prepared to offer invaluable aid to the Commanding General. His excellent supervision and sound professional judgment contributed immeasurably to the success of the Division. Colonel Buse’s highly competent service and exemplary conduct throughout the entire period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Buse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    January 14 – 16, 1944
    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0882 (October 9, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Henry William Buse, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4993), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 14 to 16 January 1944. Conducting an assault on heavily fortified Hill 660, Lieutenant Colonel Buse boldly directed and controlled the activities of his men throughout the entire bitter attack, seizing this most difficult and strategic objective of the operation with a minimum of casualties to our fighting units. Lieutenant Colonel Buse’s inspiring leadership, valiant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty under enemy fire contributed to the success of our forces in that area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1963 – June 30, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Henry William Buse, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4993), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans and Programs), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. from 15 July 1963 to 30 June 1967. In this position, Lieutenant General Buse served with unique distinction as the principal staff officer for the Commandant of the Marine Corps on all joint planning, as well as unilateral Marine Corps planning and programming matters. This included serving as the Operations Deputy for the Marine Corps and the principal advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in all matters relating to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With an unusual perception of the complex relationships and factors involved, he directly participated in and made major contributions to the formulation of strategic plans and policies for the security of the United States. The effectiveness of his participation in both Joint Planning and Marine Corps planning and programming has been reflected in and demonstrated by the rapid deployment of United States forces to the vicinity of Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam in 1965, and by sustained and effective employment of the United States Armed Forces in Southeast Asia. Lieutenant General Buse’s distinguished service, brilliant leadership, and outstanding contributions to the security of the United States during the past four years as Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans and Programs), Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.