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.



