The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Willard Palmer Arentzen, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Surgeon General of the Navy and as Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery from August 1976 through July 1980. By displaying extraordinary progressive leadership and versatility in the immediate supervision, direction, and coordination of all professional and administrative functions of the Medical Department of the Navy, ashore and afloat, Vice Admiral Arentzen markedly increased the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Navy’s health care delivery system. Through his guidance and managerial abilities, he reorganized the Headquarters and established an Office of the Surgeon General in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, thus increasing the efficiency and responsiveness of the Navy Medical Department to the needs of the Navy. Dedicated to the principles of providing the best quality medical care, Vice Admiral Arentzen’s actions contributed significantly to the high level of health of the Navy and the Marine Corps and their dependants. Among Vice Admiral Arentzen’s many noteworthy accomplishments were the creation of a Wartime Medical Planning Group, an increased emphasis on operational medicine, and a greater medical readiness posture. By his distinguished performance, perceptiveness, and tenacious dedication to duty, Vice Admiral Arentzen reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
August 1976 – July 1980
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain (MC)Action Date:
September 7, 1968 – June 18, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain (MC) Willard Palmer Arentzen, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Naval Hospital in U.S.S. SANCTUARY (AH-17) from 7 September 1968 to 18 June 1969. An extremely competent and resolute administrator, Captain Arentzen directed the operations of the hospital most effectively and efficiently in the support provided to the I Corps Tactical Zone of the Republic of Vietnam. With the hospital providing services on station for periods up to one hundred and twenty days, he instilled in his subordinates a determined devotion to duty which enabled them to contribute maximum efforts for extended periods of time. This complete dedication made it possible for the hospital staff to handle the peak admission loads of the 1969 TET offensive and other periods in a noteworthy and admirable manner. His highly proficient professional skills and demand for perfection in performance resulted in an all-around preliminary evaluation of outstanding for the hospital in the inspection held by the Inspector General, Medical, of the Department of the Navy. Captain Arentzen’s performance and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear Admiral (MC)Action Date:
February 1973 – April 1973
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 (MC) Willard Palmer Arentzen, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia, during the period February 1973 to April 1973, in connection with Operation HOMECOMING. Rear Admiral Arentzen discharged the myriad of added responsibilities, brought about as a result of the returning ex-prisoners of war, in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Without sacrificing the high quality of service provided others, he effected the most comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations ever conducted for the ex-prisoners of war. The rapport he established with them, their families, visiting civilian and military dignitaries, representatives of the media and the medical staff was exceptional, and in addition, inspired mutual trust and confidence. Rear Admiral Arentzen developed and instituted a theme of total concern for the well-being of the ex-prisoners and their families which was instrumental in ensuring that Operation HOMECOMING was a total success. By his resourcefulness, innovation and meticulous attention to detail, Rear Admiral Arentzen reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.