Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    April 19 – August 13, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Charles Hertberg, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164) from 19 April to 13 August 1972. During this period HMM-164 was deployed as part of the 31st Marine Amphibious Unit (31st MAU) off the coast of the Republic of Vietnam in support of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces (RVNAF). Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg distinguished himself as a key planner and executor of four of the five combat assault operations in which his squadron supported South Vietnamese counter-offensive operations in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces of the Republic of Vietnam. In planning for these assault operations he showed notable professionalism and judgment as he coordinated with joint United States and Vietnamese commanders and their American advisors. Displaying extreme competence and resourcefulness, Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg was able to develop new concepts and tactics for his squadron within the realm of proven doctrine. During the four operations he controlled, he personally briefed, supervised and directed his squadron troop carriers as well as U.S. Army and Air Force fire suppression aircraft. His outstanding leadership and ease of control allowed his squadron to overcome every obstacle and return safely aboard ship after six hostile encounters within enemy controlled territory. Additionally, he displayed superior leadership while leading his squadron in the assault during the only operation he did not control, while personally ensuring the safety of all crews. The success of these operations during the North Vietnam Army Easter Offensive served to bolster the morale of the RVNAF and reinforced their counter-offensive, which eventually turned the tide of events in Northern I Corps. The overwhelming results of these combat operations were attributable in large measure to the original thinking and inspiring devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg. By his outstanding leadership, judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)