The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Ralph Winge Niesz, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong Communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from December 1968 to December 1969. As Commander, Coast Guard Activities Vietnam and Commander, Coast Guard Squadron One, Captain Niesz provided inspiration and imaginative leadership. Under his guidance Coast Guard Squadron One consistently demonstrated outstanding operational readiness and effectiveness and aggressively prosecuted Market Time Operations which included support of amphibious operations, raids, Sea Lords Operations, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations and boarding and inspection patrols. In the detection, boarding and inspection operations of Market Time, he accounted for the seizure of tons of weapons, food, medical supplies, hundreds of Viet Cong suspects and North Vietnam personnel. His expert guidance of gunfire support operations resulted in extensive damage to enemy fortifications, transport, support equipment and floating craft and a vast number of personnel casualties to the enemy. Captain Niesz’s inspirational leadership, effective programs and vigorous application of his standards led to a major increase in the effectiveness of the Aids to Navigation programs in Vietnam, which resulted in an increased degree of safety to mariners. His professionalism and dedication enhanced the programs of port security, explosive and dangerous cargo handling and loading and merchant marine safety investigations. He aggressively led his units in the field on numerous occasions and imbued the officers and men of his command with the highest spirit. Captain Niesz’s devotion to duty, superlative professional abilities and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Commander Niesz is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]