The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Gene Austin Deegan (MCSN: 0-75632), 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 of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, and the Eastern Recruiting Region from July 1991 through June 1993. Responsible for the recruitment and training of over 33,000 Marines during his tenure as Commanding General, Major General Deegan’s incessant enthusiasm, analytical approach, and concerned leadership contributed materially to significant achievements in all areas of his command. As a result of Major General Deegan’s direction and personal supervision, Parris Island significantly refined marksmanship, combat water survival, physical fitness, and field training programs that produced thousands of exceptionally trained and highly spirited Marines. Within the Eastern Recruiting Region, his personal involvement, vast understanding of recruiting operations, total commitment to a team effort, and relentless emphasis on quality accessions resulted in the recruitment and graduation of unparalleled numbers of remarkably qualified young Americans as United States Marines. As an installation commander, Major General Deegan’s continual emphasis on customer satisfaction, process improvement, and employee involvement reflected his keen intellect and forward thinking leadership that characterized his 35 years of distinguished service. By his superior professionalism, unrelenting perseverance, and tireless dedication to duty, Major General Deegan reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 1991 – June 1993
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Gene Austin Deegan (MCSN: 0-75632), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Major General Deegan reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
April 21, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Gene Austin Deegan (MCSN: 0-75632), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1967, during a company search and clear operation in connection with Operation UNION in the vicinity of Bin Son (1) in Quang Tin Province, Captain Deegan alertly observed enemy movement in the objective area, deployed his platoons and directed their advance toward the objective. Forward movement by the lead unit was halted when it came under extremely heavy and accurate mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire from well entrenched Viet Cong directly to its front. Quickly calling for air strikes and artillery fire, Captain Deegan continued the bold attack. Realizing the necessity for a rapid advance across the open rice paddies, Captain Deegan, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran to the lead unit which was pinned down, rallied them and led them in an aggressive assault on the Viet Cong positions. Advancing to within thirty meters of the enemy positions, vicious enemy fire again pinned them down. After assessing the situation, he called for reinforcements and continued his unit’s advance, displaying exceptional tactical skill in effectively employing all elements of his command. Moving with his base of fire unit, Captain Deegan skillfully maneuvered them into a position where they would be able to gain fire superiority. Subsequently, under the heavy volume of covering fire, he moved from position to position, without regard for his personal safety to maneuver elements of his company and direct their fire. While completely in the open, shouting words of encouragement and instructions to his men, Captain Deegan was hit by enemy fire and received a serious abdominal wound. After hasty medical attention, and with complete disregard to his painful wound, he walked and crawled approximately fifty meters to reestablish his command post. He calmly continued to direct his company for several hours, thoroughly briefing his subordinates in directing the attack before accepting medical evacuation. Inspired by his courageous action and fearless leadership, the Marines successfully assaulted the Viet Cong positions and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. By his outstanding professional skill, bold and courageous leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Deegan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.