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 Brigadier General Victor A. Armstrong (MCSN: 0-21284), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, First Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from October 1970 through August 1972. Brigadier General Armstrong initiated and directed a vigorous training program and quickly molded his combat-oriented units into a spirited, well-coordinated air/ground team. In addition, he resolved many personnel and logistic problems generated by recent redeployments from the Republic of Vietnam, upgraded supply and maintenance programs to ensure the constant availability of combat essential equipment, and developed human relations programs which opened new channels of communication between officers and men. Largely as a result of Brigadier General Armstrong’s diligent efforts and firm insistence on combat readiness in all areas, the Brigade was able to deploy two tactical squadrons on extremely short notice to join Free World Forces in countering the 1972 spring offensive of the North Vietnamese Army in the Republic of Vietnam. His leadership, professional acumen, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Victor A. Armstrong (MCSN: 0-21284), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from September 1972 to July 1973. Brigadier General Armstrong, as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, applied his vast knowledge and military experience to the complex tasks of planning logistic and personnel support for combat committed units in the Republic of Vietnam while simultaneously directing activities to maintain the command’s force-in-readiness posture. Under his brilliant leadership, his staff promulgated all applicable Marine Corps directives, furnished comprehensive policy guidance to subordinate commands, and responded quickly and professionally to requests from the field for assistance in emergency situations. In his capacity as Deputy Commander, Brigadier General Armstrong rendered valuable assistance in formulating plans for re-posturing Marine forces following the cease-fire and for organizing, staffing, and operating a Homecoming Coordination Center for the repatriation processing of Marine Prisoner of War returnees. By his leadership, professional acumen, and devotion to duty, Brigadier General Armstrong contributed greatly to the accomplishment of the mission of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Victor A. Armstrong (MCSN: 0-21284), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Wing Support Group THIRTY-SIX and subsequently as Commanding Officer of Marine Wing Support Group SEVENTEEN, First Marine Aircraft Wing from 24 August 1966 to 1 June 1967 in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Initially assigned as the Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX, Colonel Armstrong consistently displayed exceptional professional competence and tireless initiative in the performance of his myriad demanding duties. Despite adverse weather, increased combat activity and political tensions during a period of expansion, Colonel Armstrong skillfully directed his Group on eighteen major operations against the Viet Cong during which the Group accumulated a total of 46,325 flight hours while performing 125,573 sorties, evacuation of 6,667 casualties, transporting 170,957 passengers and 148,760 tons of cargo. As a result of his exceptional tactical skill and meticulous planning, Colonel Armstrong’s operational squadrons accumulated 6,951 combat hours during the month of February 1967. Continually concerned for the welfare of his men, he was responsible for directing and supervising the construction of 148 dwellings and office spaces, a mess hall and hangar space which greatly improved the morale and combat efficiency of his Group. The superior combat record achieved by Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX can be directly attributed to Colonel Armstrong’s untiring efforts and outstanding leadership. On 30 March 1967, Colonel Armstrong was reassigned as the Commanding Officer of Marine Wing Support Group SEVENTEEN and continued to demonstrate exceptional command ability. Tasked with the requirement of supporting the Wing, he displayed keen foresight and exceptional managerial skill while supervising and coordinating each section of his Group, thereby ensuring maximum availability of material resources in support of the Wing’s combat missions. Undaunted by adverse weather, personnel shortages and inadequate supplies and equipment, Colonel Armstrong continuously demonstrated inspiring leadership and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his uncommon professional skill, outstanding initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Colonel Armstrong upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Armstrong is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)