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 Thomas J. Bigley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Middle East Force from February 1975 to June 1976. Responsible for the planning and conduct of operations in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Western Indian Ocean and for manifesting the interests of the United States in the force area of operations, Rear Admiral Bigley facilitated significant improvement of U.S. military posture in the area. Through personal liaison with respective heads of state, foreign ministers, sheiks, ambassadors, and the highest ranking military officials in the countries littoral to his area, he effectively established the rapport and bonds of trust which contributed directly to the enhancement of conventional aspects of military readiness. As a result of his perceptive, persuasive, and meaningful dialogues, Rear Admiral Bigley’s comprehensive appreciation for the sensitivities peculiar to that region brilliantly catalyzed previously discordant relations into more positive and mutually productive affiliations. Consequently, U.S. interests have realized a greater assurance of success in terms of military cooperation and political trust. By his distinctive achievements, perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Bigley contributed significantly toward ensuring security of vital Middle East waters; thereby upholding 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
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Thomas J. Bigley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander SECOND Fleet, as Commander Striking Fleet Atlantic, and as Commander Joint Task Force 120 from July 1979 to July 1981. Vice Admiral Bigley displayed dynamic leadership and sound judgment throughout a period of increased worldwide naval commitments, new Atlantic Fleet operational initiatives, revitalized tactical development and training, and enhanced cooperation within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He skillfully planned, scheduled, and successfully executed important contingency and humanitarian operations; and improved the readiness of maritime forces in the Atlantic Command’s area of responsibility. In addition, Vice Admiral Bigley’s dedicated efforts were instrumental in the success of Operation SAIL 1980 and focused national and international attention on the maritime heritage of the United States and its seapower. Additionally, he demonstrated superb diplomacy and perceptiveness as Director of the NATO Study Group in guiding its efforts in the analysis of the requirements and capabilities of NATO maritime forces. Vice Admiral Bigley’s distinctive accomplishments, tenacity, and impressive devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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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 Thomas J. Bigley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from March 1970 to July 1972. Throughout this period, Captain Bigley demonstrated superb managerial competence and leadership while coordinating the effort of the immediate office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. His actions have been of inestimable value to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in the fulfillment of the latter’s many-faceted responsibilities at the highest military levels. With keen foresight and intelligent awareness, Captain Bigley consistently exhibited a complete grasp of complex issues and geopolitical considerations in a highly sensitive, rapidly changing environment, and provided the Vice Chief of Naval Operations with sound counsel, essential facts and recommended courses of action in matters of the greatest importance. By his exemplary performance, in the fulfillment of an important and demanding assignment, Captain Bigley contributed materially to the successful operation of U.S. naval forces, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Thomas J. Bigley, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.