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 Rear Admiral Herbert H. Anderson (NSN: 0-100221), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1969 to January 1970 as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla ELEVEN and Commander Task Group 70.8. Responsible for the planning and prosecution of surface warfare in the Western Pacific, Rear Admiral Anderson exerted great personal effort toward maintaining the highest level of combat readiness and effectiveness, while faced with reduced force levels and increased commitments. Through his coordination of Market Time forces with Commander Naval Forces, Vietnam, the effectiveness of the limited forces available was increased significantly. On several occasions, he coordinated surveillance of enemy trawlers attempting to infiltrate war material into the Republic of Vietnam. His timely action prevented these trawlers from accomplishing their missions. In addition, he developed a complete operation plan for the future surveillance of infiltration trawlers, ensuring that these sensitive operations would receive effective planning. Rear Admiral Anderson’s professional skill, leadership, and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with 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 Rear Admiral Herbert H. Anderson (NSN: 0-100221), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from March 1970 to March 1971 as Commander South Atlantic Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and as Commander Task Force EIGHTY-SIX. Displaying outstanding leadership, planning and managerial abilities, Rear Admiral Anderson effectively exercised operational control over assigned ships and units, provided superior logistic support to forces operating within his area of responsibility, and coordinated with other unified commanders in the area intelligence matters of vital interest to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Rear Admiral Anderson was responsible for and directly supervised the planning and execution of Combined Exercise UNITAS XI, a training operation involving ships and aircraft of the United States and those of eight major maritime nations of South America. He skillfully commanded the combined task force in the highly successful circumnavigation of South America, conducting both bilateral and multilateral training exercises en route; rescheduled port visits to gain maximum impact from the presence of United States forces, and demonstrated to military and civilian dignitaries of South America the vital need and importance of sea power. Through his diligent efforts and expertise in protocol, Rear Admiral Anderson won the acclaim of United States diplomatic agencies throughout South America. His sound judgment, professional competence, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Atlantic Command, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Herbert H. Anderson (NSN: 0-100221), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.