The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Leonard Fielding Chapman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5105), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Commandant of the Marine Corps from February 1969 to December 1971. A splendid leader with enduring values and great patriotism, General Chapman, during four years as its Commandant, led the Marine Corps through the height of the Vietnam Conflict and the process of returning to peacetime posture. With keen foresight and conviction, General Chapman forged a renewed Corps emphasizing readiness, equality, and professionalism. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Chapman, through his statesmanship and superb understanding of the factors which influence the formulation of national policy, contributed substantially to the development of important policies during a period of vital and unusual significance to the United States. His wise advice, exceptional judgment, and clarity of vision have been acknowledged in the highest councils of our Government. By his dedicated and distinguished service during more than thirty-six years of devoted duty, General Chapman has contributed greatly to the success of the United States and friendly forces engaged in the protection of citizens of free nations, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Leonard Fielding Chapman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5105), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, from 1 January 1964 to 30 June 1967. With outstanding professional ability, Lieutenant General Chapman was eminently successful in discharging the important and complex duties of the Office of the Chief of Staff. Through exceptional initiative and tireless dedication to duty, he directed and guided the Headquarters Marine Corps staff divisions and coordinated the components of the Marine Corps in attaining a level of unsurpassed combat readiness, during a period of increasing world tension and emergencies. He directed and led the Marine Corps staff effort in pioneering the development and utilization of the computer and other modern information processing machines thereby establishing the Marine Corps as one of the leaders in the application of automation in the field of military management. His personal efforts and expertise led to the development of the Marine Corps’ Integrated Information System. With a thorough understanding of civilian personnel problems, Lieutenant General Chapman did much to develop a warm, effective relationship between the military and civilian staff members at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Continually exhibiting a comprehensive perception of the intricate aspects of inter-Service matters, he has been directly responsible for maintaining a splendid relationship for the Marine Corps within the Department of Defense, and with other government and civilian agencies, thereby contributing greatly to the efficiency of the Department of the Navy. By his brilliant and personal leadership, vision and wide knowledge of Marine Corps operations and management, he has enhanced the military posture and prestige of the United States by insuring the readiness of the Marine Corps for participation in all contingencies during the past four years. Lieutenant General Chapman’s inspiring and distinctive service and devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and 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 Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Leonard Fielding Chapman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5105), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as the Commandant of the Marine Corps from January 1968 to January 1969. Dedicated to the Nation and a strong national security, General Chapman consistently provided preeminent leadership to the Marine Corps as it successfully met its worldwide military commitments while concurrently continuing to improve progressive management programs and techniques within the Corps. Demonstrating keen foresight, broad vision and expert managerial ability, General Chapman devoted himself to the support of his Marines fighting in Southeast Asia and deployed throughout the world and concerned himself with the individual well-being of the men and women of the Marine Corps and their families. His wise and thoughtful counsel on national security matters and his superior professional knowledge of management and operational problems have earned him the deep loyalty, profound respect, and strong admiration of all with whom he served. General Chapman’s superb record of achievement and his distinguished service to the United States reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Naval Service, and his Country.