The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major Jack B. Aldridge (MCSN: 0-55379), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Adjutant, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from 7 July 1965 to 26 January 1967. Major Aldridge consistently performed his myriad demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. With professionalism and a judicious utilization of administrative resources, Major Aldridge worked tirelessly to meet the challenge of a drastic increase in administrative operations, performing his duties in a manner far exceeding that normally expected of an officer of his rank. Through his initiative and imaginative guidance, he instituted innovations in the methods of handling correspondence which ensured greater accuracy and expediency in processing, dispatching and filing. Tasked with the responsibility of providing a Secret and Confidential Files constantly responsive to the requirements for the efficient processing and control of the large volume of classified documents and materials distributed throughout the force, Major Aldridge provided superior administrative support to the Commanding General and staff. With foresight and keen analyses of the problems involved in the Casualty Management Program, he made repeated trips to hospitals throughout the Western Pacific to study conditions confronting hospital commanders and consult with key persons in the medical evacuation program. As a result of these visits, he was able to make logical and comprehensive recommendations to the Commanding General, which enabled the force to meet the exacting demands for an accurate and effective Casualty Management Program. In addition, Major Aldridge closely monitored the return to duty of thousands of wounded Marines processed through the Western Pacific Transient Facility at Camp Butler, ensuring that Marines discharged from hospitals throughout the Pacific and found fit for full duty, were expeditiously returned to their units in Vietnam. Recognizing the need for a greater use of mechanized programs, he initiated the use of computers throughout his areas of responsibility and introduced the use of microfilm which has greatly alleviated a critical shortage of adequate filing space. Faced with a rapidly growing volume of award recommendations and a severe shortage of trained personnel and equipment, Major Aldridge was instrumental in procuring the necessary items of equipment and personnel to meet the demands of handling the steadily increasing number of awards. Exhibiting sound judgment and tireless initiative, Major Aldridge contributed significantly to the orderly amalgamation of Headquarters, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific with Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, the establishment and refinement of the WESTPAC Personnel Rotation Systems and the expansion of Hospital Liaison Sections throughout the Pacific. Simultaneously, he provided outstanding leadership for the Hickam Air Force Base Marine Liaison Section, which has contributed materially to the welfare and morale of over 3,800 Marine and Navy personnel transiting Hawaii en route to hospitals throughout the United States. Tasked with the responsibility for budgeting, accounting and reconciling Temporary Additional Duty funds for the Headquarters, Major Aldridge ably supervised this program while ensuring that staff personnel were continually provided with timely and efficient transportation. By his exceptional leadership, versatility and steadfast devotion to duty, Major Aldridge upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.