The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam, from 8 July 1963 to 16 May 1964. Exercising sound judgment, keen foresight, and a high degree of professional competence, Colonel Anderson contributed outstandingly to the effectiveness and success of the United States Advisory Program in the Republic of Vietnam. Supervising, directing and coordinating not only the service integrated staff elements of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam but also, within policies outline by Chief, MAAG, the service sections (Army, Navy, Air Force) in the performance of their mission and the attainment of the overall Group objectives, he was responsible for marked improvements in the areas of training, planning, programming, financial management and logistic support within all MAAG elements. Because of his experience in airborne counter insurgency tactics and techniques, and as a result of his participation with friendly forces in more than thirty combat helicopter missions during the period, Colonel Anderson’s advice was constantly sought by local forces engaged in the combat employment of heliborne forces. His outstanding leadership, professional ability and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Anderson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

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 to Brigadier General Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Marine Tactical Data Systems (MTDS) Program Coordinator since 29 July 1964 and as Deputy Chief of Staff (Research, Development and Studies, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, since 11 February 1966. As Program Coordinator, Marine Tactical Data Systems, Brigadier General Anderson established the Coordinator’s Office, which managed the largest and most expensive single weapons system ever developed, tested, and produced by the Marine Corps. His outstanding performance of duty as Program Coordinator resulted in the successful deployment of the first ground based semi-automatic tactical data system by the free world military forces. A significant milestone was reached when a successful Marine Tactical Data System/Navy Tactical Data System link was established between DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, and ships of the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet in the Gulf of Tonkin. This was the first instance of an automatic exchange of track information between U.S. Marine Corps III Meuse-Argonne, France Units and the Navy Tactical Data System in an operational environment and the first time this was accomplished between fleet units and any land-based Tactical Data System. This capability extends the radar coverage of Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN, thus providing advance information on air tracks approaching the Task Force. As Deputy Chief of Staff (Research, Development and Studies), he fulfilled his responsibility in an outstanding and preeminent manner. In addition to Marine Corps research, development, test, evaluation, and studies, he was also responsible for monitoring the studies of the other armed services and U.S. Government agencies as well as those of friendly nations which were of interest to the Marine Corps. His untiring efforts made significant contributions to the development of a General Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA), which will provide optimum support for the landing force. Under his guidance, improved tracked vehicles, marginal terrain vehicles and soil stabilization materials along with other projects which reflect the present and future requirements of the Marine Corps were developed. Dealing in budgetary matters with Congress and top-level Department of Defense and Department of the Navy officials, he ensured support for the adequate and timely development of all Marine Corps equipment and Navy amphibious warfare development programs of primary interest to the landing force and to the Marine Corps. Brigadier General Anderson’s initiative, professional skill, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 to Major General Earl E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6643), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director of Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, from March 1969 through June 1971. Expertly supervising the largest department in Marine Corps Headquarters, Major General Anderson exhibited outstanding professionalism in educating, training, and assigning Marines where their skills could best be utilized. During periods of maximum turbulence and heavy manpower combat demands, he skillfully regulated an uninterrupted flow of Marines, from recruiting to combat. Demonstrating superior managerial skill, Major General Anderson worked forcefully and energetically toward procuring the best qualified officer and enlisted personnel, He created “Headquarters Hotline,” a publication designed to provide timely information to officers and enlisted on multitudinous subjects. This work has now become the most widely read and sought after publication in the Corps. Major General Anderson’s distinguished guidance, keen awareness and perception of the needs and desires of Marines assured personal treatment in a timely manner through positive programs for family and casualty assistance, and through expansion of the hospital visitation program. Major General Anderson held the personal welfare of all Marines uppermost in his actions, provided impetus to programs affecting retired personnel and veterans and helped to improve pre-separation counseling. Notable among his many accomplishments was a comprehensive modernization of classification and assignment procedures, including a mechanized fitness reporting system which permitted acknowledging receipt of reports and recognized officers’ duty preferences. Major General Anderson’s distinguished record of achievement and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.