The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Edward W. Carter, III, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force from August 1982 to May 1985. During his tenure, Rear Admiral Carter had an extraordinary impact on the operational effectiveness and suitability of newly acquired systems that were ready for fleet introduction. As a result of his brilliant guidance, uncompromising standards, and superb management ability, new systems were subjected to the most vigorous, realistic, and thorough testing in the history of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force. His objective, independent approach in the testing of all new systems became well known throughout the Department of Defense and the Congress, and confidence in his judgment and recommendations greatly enhanced the credibility of the Navy’s test and evaluation program. Rear Admiral Carter’s knowledge and technical expertise in naval systems such as those in U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CG-47) and the AV-8B aircraft. Abandoning the traditional testing structure in order to conduct interim testing at key intervals, he was able to personally identify critical deficiencies as these and other systems matured toward full production. Rear Admiral Carter’s distinctive achievements, inspiring leadership, and steadfast dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Edward W. Carter, III, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Naval Material Command from July 1970 to June 1972. Captain Carter’s dynamic leadership and professional dedication were directly responsible for the establishment of the Tactical Digital Systems Office, an organization in the Office of the Chief of Naval Material dedicated to the establishment and coordination of policy and standards for combat system processors and software in Naval tactical applications. Displaying exemplary initiative, he quickly made his office an effective control point for the rapidly expanding technical area of digital systems. Captain Carter’s accomplishments included the necessary action to establish an Integrated Combat System Test Site and initiation of the development of a standard mini-combat system processor for surface and airborne applications, both of which will have far reaching and lasting effect on the future of the Navy’s use of digital systems. By his outstanding leadership, innovative thinking, judgment, perseverance, and dedication to duty, Captain Carter has made significant contributions to Navy material support and has upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
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United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Biddle (DLG-34)Action Date:
July 3 – October 1, 1972
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 Captain Edward W. Carter, III, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BIDDLE (DLG-34) from 3 July to 1 October 1972. Displaying exceptional professional skill and outstanding leadership, Captain Carter directed his ship in assignments as Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone (PIRAZ) ship and Anti-Air Warfare/Search and Rescue picket. During that period BIDDLE participated directly in numerous recoveries of downed aviators and through the air intercept controllers, directly aided in the destruction of seven enemy MiGs by U.S. aircraft. These results achieve by the ship’s Anti-Air Warfare Team inflicted heavy damage upon the enemy and were attributable to his exceptional leadership. Captain Carter’s superlative professionalism and leadership reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.