The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Thomas Baldwin Brittain (NSN: 0-20428), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MONROVIA during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily in 1943. Captain Brittain commanded the headquarters ship of the U.S. forces engaged in the operation. By his professional skill and energetic leadership under fire the ship under his command carried out efficiently and expeditiously to the limit of its capabilities all duties assigned as headquarters ship in addition to assisting with embarked boats in landing assault troops and in salvage operations on the beaches thereby greatly contributing to the success of the invasion. The extraordinary ability, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Brittain reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Brittain is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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 Thomas Baldwin Brittain (NSN: 0-20428), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of Transports of an amphibious task force during the period of planning and execution of the assault on the strongly defended Japanese held island of Peleliu, August to September 1944. Although Captain Brittain was given overall command of transports less than a month before the date of invasion, training and preparation already undertaken were, under his able supervision, completed on schedule. During the assault, his inspiring leadership and high professional skill in the direction of the different ship to shore movement across coral reefs and many obstructions made an essential contribution to the success of an operation which was of great importance to our continuing offensive against the enemy in this theater. His performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Brittain is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Commodore Thomas Baldwin Brittain (NSN: 0-20428), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Transport Squadron SEVENTEEN from September 1945 to November 1945. During this period he was directly responsible for the preparation of plans for the movement of the Third Amphibious Force to North China and for the movement of units of the 24th Army Corps for the occupation of Korea. Subsequently, he was in charge of transporting the Chinese Eighth and Thirteenth Armies from South China to Chinwangteo and Tsingtao. His sound judgment in the preparation of plans and his able seamanship and professional skill in their execution were essential factors in the success of these occupation operations in Korea and North China. His performance throughout was outstanding and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
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 Commodore Thomas Baldwin Brittain (NSN: 0-20428), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of an attack transport squadron from 22 February to 30 April 1945, during the periods of planning, staging, and execution of the amphibious assaults on Kerama Retto, Ie Shima, and Okinawa. By his initiative, skill, perseverance, resourcefulness and professional ability, he prepared plans and organized and directed the landing of assigned troops on enemy-held beaches. He diligently supervised the unloading of his ships and by his leadership and superior performance of duty, in the face of intermittent air attack, contributed materially to the successful completion of these operations. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commodore Brittain is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Thomas Baldwin Brittain (NSN: 0-20428), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Senior Member, UNComMilArmistice Commission, and Personal Representative of the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, in Korea, from 12 June to 27 July 1954. Evincing astute comprehension of the psychological and political aspects of the sensitive problems encountered, Admiral Brittain proffered timely recommendations on matters of major decision, policy and planning, and developed attitudes, concepts and tactics to counter Communist intransigence, misrepresentations and evasions with reasoned negotiation, demonstrable truth and logical conclusions. Similarly, he expertly refuted alleged violations of neutrality agreements, initiated measures to thwart Communist efforts to secure adoption of proposals designed to reflect adversely on United Nations’ policy regarding the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, and mediated the administrative arrangements for the exchange mortalities under Operation GLORY. His dynamic leadership, sound judgment and understanding of the value of maintaining harmonious relationships with other members of the Commission were profitably demonstrated during a period filled with unprecedented contingencies and international crises. Admiral Brittain’s notable achievements furthered the U.N. progression toward world peace, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Rear Admiral Thomas Baldwin Brittain (NSN: 0-20428), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of a transport squadron on 2 April 1945, during the amphibious assault on Okinawa. When twenty enemy suicide planes attacked his flagship and one plane hit the main mast and crashed into the boat davit abreast the flag bridge, in the face of apparently certain death, he continued to maneuver the squadron under his command with great coolness and excellent judgment. His disregard for personal safety and determination to inflict maximum damage upon the enemy were an inspiration to all. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.