The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Dudley Louis Carlson (NSN: 0-4224449/596997), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19), COMSEVENTHFLT Flagship from June 1978 to July 1980. Throughout his tour, Captain Carlson combined superior leadership capability with unique management talents and exceptional initiative in efforts which resulted in a ship fully ready to enthusiastically and professionally fulfill every mission and task assigned. Faced with the unique and highly demanding circumstances of shifting the ship’s homeport from San Diego, California to Yokosuka, Japan and assuming a new and vital mission as COMSEVENTHFLT Flagship, Captain Carlson executed every facet of that operation with extraordinary professionalism, resulting in a remarkably smooth flagship transition. Under his guidance, the new flagship provided continuing superlative performance in operational support of Commander U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. That support extended to the creation of highly favorable impressions on Japanese, Republic of Korea, and Republic of the Philippines governmental and military dignitaries and citizens which enhanced greatly the U.S. Navy image in the ports visited. Captain Carlson’s outstanding leadership, perseverance, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected 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 Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Dudley Louis Carlson (NSN: 0-4224449/596997), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Assistant to the Commander in Chief Atlantic, the Commander in Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet, the Commander in Chief Western Atlantic Area, Commander Ocean Sub-are, and the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic from August 1980 to June 1982. Captain Carlson displayed dynamic leadership, planning and managerial abilities, and sound judgment in successfully executing the demanding responsibilities of his unique position. He provided valuable counsel and assistance to the Commander in Chief/Supreme Allied Commander in the accomplishment of the missions of his important commands. He skillfully coordinated diverse efforts and enabled timely action through his keen insight and broad knowledge of the organization, administration, and operations of the Fleet, joint, and combined commands. His exemplary tact and diplomacy greatly enhanced the sense of cooperation and unity in these national and international staffs. His diligent efforts were instrumental in ensuring that the commands remained responsive to the various crises and natural disasters which occurred throughout his tour. Captain Carlson’s distinctive accomplishments, resourcefulness, and impressive devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.