The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Carlton William Fulford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-92863), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Vice Director/Director of Management, and as Acting Director, The Joint Staff, from June 1995 to September 1996. During a period of dramatic global and political and military challenges, General Fulford demonstrated exceptional professional leadership and expertise over a wide variety of National security issues. He skillfully orchestrated the actions of the Joint Staff in support of the Chairman and National Command Authorities. He simultaneously performed the duties of both Director and Vice Director brilliantly, leading the Joint Staff in all aspects of operational planning and execution, force structure changes, responses to international crises, and resource management. The distinctive accomplishments of General Fulford reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Carlton William Fulford, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of General Fulford reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Carlton William Fulford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-92863), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division from August 1990 through February 1991. Colonel Fulford led the Regiment organized as Task Force RIPPER, consisting of over 4,000 Marines and Sailors, over 80 tanks, 130 Airborne Assault Vehicles, fifteen Light Armored Vehicles and First Combat Engineer Battalion into combat. Under enemy fires, he successfully executed a bold concept for the deliberate breach of two Iraqi obstacle belts and the capture of Al Jaber Airfield, a major Force objective. He incorporated AH-1W Cobra close in fire support, with risky and effective repositioning of artillery support, to methodically and rapidly destroy dug-in Iraqi armor and sustain the momentum of the attack. He inspired the Division’s focus of main effort that led to the 100-hour rout of Iraqi forces. Under his command, Task Force Ripper destroyed 106 enemy tanks, 28 APC’s, two AAA guns and two artillery pieces, and captured extensive enemy equipment and personnel. Colonel Fulford’s bold and decisive leadership is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Fulford is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 1987 – June 1989
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Carlton William Fulford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-92863), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific from May 1987 through June 1989. Colonel Fulford’s superior performance of duty was instrumental in the development of the Brigade as a combat ready Marine air-ground task force, fully capable of accomplishing multiple missions. During his tenure, the Brigade participated in three Joint Chiefs of Staff exercises as a maritime pre-positioning force, conducted four major Pohakuloa training area deployments, seven combat readiness evaluation exercises to include five combined aviation/ground exercises, quarterly command post exercises, and numerous staff planning exercises. Colonel Fulford was at the forefront as the Brigade broke new ground; opening a new training area on Maui, expanding the use of existing areas within the Hawaiian Island chain, and initiating the development of the Brigade’s special operations capable training program. His positive impact on the Brigade and on the individual Marines resulted in an enhanced combat ready command. Colonel Fulford’s steadfast leadership, flawless judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
September 4, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Carlton William Fulford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-92863), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 4 September 1967, Company D was attacked by an estimated battalion size force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars employing small arms, automatic weapons and mortars. In the initial attack, the Company Commander was mortally wounded and the defensive position was infiltrated and subsequently penetrated in force. Unhesitatingly assuming command of the disorganized company, Second Lieutenant Fulford fearlessly moved throughout the area, directing the fire of his men and reorganizing the perimeter. The only officer remaining in the company, he continued to disregard his own personal safety to rally his men and repel the attacking enemy. After the enemy force was repulsed, his skillful utilization of supporting arms prevented any further assaults on the perimeter. Upon the establishment of a secure perimeter, he immediately requested evacuation helicopters and organized the supervised the moving of casualties to locations of relative safety in preparation for their subsequent medical evacuation. His heroic and timely actions were instrumental in preventing numerous additional Marine casualties and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Second Lieutenant Fulford was an inspiration to all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
August 2000 – November 2002
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Carlton William Fulford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-92863), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally distinguished service as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States European Command from August 2000 to November 2002. During this period, General Fulford’s outstanding leadership in both the diplomatic and military arenas was critical to maintaining continued stability in Europe and Africa during the most challenging period in those regions since the end of the Cold War. His personal command presence provided vision and lent strength to the United States’ forces provided in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance and galvanized their resolve to deal forcefully and effectively with complex situations in Central and Eastern Europe while simultaneously aiding in prosecuting the United States European Command’s part in the Global War on Terrorism. His keen vision was manifested in the Theater Strategy of Readiness and Engagement which provided new avenues for national and regional cooperation within the Command’s ninety-three country area of responsibility and accelerated a positive transformation in the region’s security environment. General Fulford has successfully led the United States European Command through the entire spectrum of military operations, from warfighting, to peace keeping, to humanitarian relief and has ensured that the Command is fully prepared for future contingencies. The distinctive accomplishments of General Fulford reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.