The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel] Richard Edward Carey (MCSN: 0-49834), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMFA-115), Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 October 1967, Colonel Carey launched as section leader of a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to provide close air support for an Army of the Republic of Vietnam unit which was pinned down by automatic weapons and mortar fire while in contact with a numerically superior enemy force. Arriving over the hostile area, he was briefed on the ground situation by the tactical air controller (airborne) and, despite adverse weather conditions, quickly pinpointed the hostile targets and commenced the attack. Although his aircraft immediately came under intense small arms and .50 caliber automatic weapons fire, he executed seven bombing and strafing runs and delivered all his ordnance with devastating accuracy. Largely as a result of his professional and determined efforts, the enemy fire was silenced and the friendly unit was able to continue its advance and rout the hostile force from the area. Colonel Carey’s courage, exceptional airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Richard Edward Carey (MCSN: 0-49834), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
March 23, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Richard Edward Carey (MCSN: 0-49834), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Machine Gun Platoon Commander of Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 March 1951. Although painfully wounded in the arm by enemy shell fragments when an accurate hostile mortar barrage inflicted heavy casualties on his platoon, Second Lieutenant Carey refused to be evacuated and continued to direct effective fire on the enemy in support of the company’s assault elements. After skillfully reorganizing his platoon, he personally supervised and directed the evacuation of the wounded men in his unit before permitting himself to be evacuated. By his courageous leadership, marked coolness under fire and inspiring devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Carey contributed materially to the success achieved by his company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Lieutenant General Richard Edward Carey, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Carey reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Richard Edward Carey (MCSN: 0-49834), United States Marine Corps, 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
February 10, 1971 – May 5, 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Richard Edward Carey (MCSN: 0-49834), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 24, First Marine Brigade, Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe, Hawaii from 10 February 1971 to 5 May 1972. Throughout this period, Colonel Carey demonstrated exceptional professionalism, executive and organization abilities and sound judgment in the performance of his challenging and demanding duties. Assuming command during the Vietnam retrograde, he exhibited superior knowledge of Marine Corps managerial concepts as he expertly reorganized personnel and material assets to facilitate the joining of five new aviation units. The two helicopter squadrons and helicopter detachment established a problematic precedent…when augmented to the historically fixed wing Group. Applying imaginative and innovative concepts, he aggressively engendered a synergetic spirit within Marine Air Craft Group 24 which promoted a unity of purpose, resulting in exceptional unit and personnel accomplishments. The full impact of Colonel Carey’s discerning leadership was realized when, through personal directive effort, he responded to the redeployment order of two fighter squadrons to the Western Pacific Area of Operations, Exhibiting uncommon professional ability he deployed combat capable units while maintaining a viable training base with the remaining F-4 squadron and the helicopter units. In addition, during his tenure, Colonel Carey’s inspirational leadership was further manifested in his personal supervision of safety oriented operational programs. To this end he became qualified in all Group aircraft thus establishing unprecedented qualification and ensuring a total cognizance of the operational environment. By his leadership, extraordinary professionalism, and unswerving devotion to duty, Colonel Carey rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.