Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Henry Aplington, II (MCSN: 0-6648), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Department of Defense Special Representative, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, a joint command, during the period 13 May 1966 to 1 May 1967. Through his dynamic leadership and tireless application of managerial skill, Colonel Aplington made an exceptionally outstanding contribution to successes of U.S. forces engaged in ground combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam, air operations over North Vietnam and naval operations off the coast of Vietnam. Under his direction and guidance, field elements of the three service Cryptologic agencies provided outstanding support which greatly facilitated success of U.S. forces engaged in battle with hostile Communist forces. His skillful resolution of complex and sensitive problems involving coordination and cooperation of elements of their service departments, the Free World Military Assistance Forces, U.S. Field Elements and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces resulted in considerable economics of force and exceptionally smooth functioning of special intelligence organization in South Vietnam. By his outstanding leadership, judgment and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Colonel Aplington upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    3d Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00317 (January 27, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Henry Aplington, II (MCSN: 0-6648), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Shore Party Commander attached to the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in the landing at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, British Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. Arriving at the assigned point adjacent to the beach occupied by the First Battalion, Third Marines, Major Aplington observed that his beach was under intense fire from two Japanese bunkers on the right flank and that the enemy was gravely endangering the left flank of the First Battalion by operating in a strategic avenue approach from the interior which led to a wide gap between his position and that of the battalion. Realizing the seriousness of this threat to the campaign, he unhesitatingly organized a combat patrol and, exposing himself continually to enemy fire, fought his way across the hazardous gap until he had contacted and warned the battalion. He then escorted a wire party from one beach to the other and, having secured the dangerous area between the two vital positions, returned to his post and continued his shore party duties in the face of persistent, severe hostile opposition. Major Aplington’s splendid initiative and inspiring leadership throughout this extremely difficult period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.