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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Henry James Hatch (ASN: 0-75610), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, from June 1988 to June 1992, while serving in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. His especially noteworthy achievements included his profound and enduring contributions to national foreign policy and defense objectives while guiding the Corps in support of Operations JUST CAUSE, DESERT SHIELD/STORM, PROVIDE COMFORT, and the rebuilding of Kuwait. His personal involvement in the development of the Corps’ vision led to several significant accomplishments, which included: Nation Assistance initiatives from Turkey to South America; an ever increasing environmental leadership role which resulted in the Corps becoming the proponent agency for restoring Formerly Used Defense Sites; major revision in the way the Corps does business; and complete studies to reorganize the Corps. Under General Hatch’s supervision, the Corps responded magnificently to save lives and the environment from disasters across the nation, such as the Alaskan Oil Spill, the Loma Prieta Earthquake and Hurricane HUGO. Lieutenant General Hatch’s integrity, outstanding leadership, and singularly distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General [then Major General]

    Action Date:

    August 1984 – May 1988
    Department of the Army, Permanent Orders 52-22 (April 3, 1990)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General [then Major General] Henry James Hatch (ASN: 0-75610), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during the period August 1984 to May 1988, while serving in successive positions of great responsibility. As Assistant Chief of Engineers, and as Assistant Commander and Director of Civil Works, Headquarters, United States Army Corps of Engineer; General Hatch distinguished himself through inspiring leadership, keen insight, innovative resolution of conflicts and outstanding execution of complex programs of National significance. He accomplished masterfully the tasks of planning, programming and obtaining funding for needed military facilities and Army family housing. His leadership was key to successful implementation of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, which will have far-reaching effects in meeting the Nation’s water resource needs well into the 21st century. Lieutenant General Hatch’s exceptionally meritorious service in positions of enormous importance to the Nation, reflects great credit on him, the Corps of Engineers, and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    326th Engineer Battalion

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    November 1968 – July 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Henry James Hatch (ASN: 0-75610), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period November 1968 to July 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division in the Republic of Vietnam. He demonstrated leadership abilities that were outstanding in judgment and results. His inherent ability to grasp and analyze problems of grave and far-reaching consequence enabled him to render flawless decisions. His enthusiasm and close working relationship with the men of his command motivated his subordinates to strive for the highest standards of performance and assured the successful completion of every task. Through his expert direction, the fire support base construction technique was developed to its currently successful level. Additionally, he innovated new airlift and control procedures to ensure safe but rapid operations. His guidance, managerial expertise and exceptional effectiveness in fulfilling his highly complex responsibilities were of intrinsic value to the United States Army Vietnam in accomplishing its mission. Lieutenant Colonel Hatch’s professional competence and outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.