The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Hubert Michael Bartel, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Maintenance Officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 25 August 1968 to 13 September 1969. Throughout this period, Major Bartel performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Joining the squadron at a time when it was experiencing numerous difficult maintenance problems, he skillfully assessed the various areas and commenced an aggressive program which increased the squadron’s aircraft availability rate from twenty-six to fifty-eight percent in a minimum amount of time. Working tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail, he reorganized the entire maintenance section, reassigned personnel to ensure that highly qualified technicians and crew chiefs were performing at their maximum capability, and established a supply system reduced the delivery time of in-stock items from more than nine hours to less than three hours. In addition, Major Bartel implemented a plan which restored the aircraft check cycle schedule to a practical and workable level with a sustained increase in the quality of work performed. Under his skillful supervision, the CH-53 helicopter was efficiently integrated into the squadron’s inventory and the maintenance program expanded to support the new aircraft. Displaying superb technical skill, Major Bartel was instrumental in the first field recovery of a CH-53 helicopter from an extremely small zone in mountainous terrain and provided recommendations to the manufacturer which proved invaluable in rebuilding the damaged aircraft. His remarkable ability to evaluate operational requirements and instantiate effective corrective actions earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his leadership, professional acumen, and unwavering devotion to duty, Major Bartel rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Major Bartel is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)