The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Wallace Martin Greene, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4539), 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 Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Marine Corps, from 1 January 1960 to 1 December 1963. With outstanding personal ability and an unusual degree of stamina, drive and perseverance, General Greene eminently successful in discharging the important and complex duties of the staff. Through his unusual initiative and tireless dedication to duty, he directed the conduct of the multiple staff divisions. He was able to develop a warm relationship between the military and civilian staff members at Headquarters Marine Corps. Continually exhibiting a comprehensive perception of the intricate aspects of Inter-Service matters, he has been directly responsible for maintaining a solid relationship for the Marine Corps, Department of Defense, and with other Government offices. By his skillful and dynamic leadership, vision and understanding of Marine Corps operations and administration, he has enhanced the military posture of the United States. General Greene’s inspirational and distinguished service reflects the highest credit upon himself, his Corps, and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
November 1943 – March 1944
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02476 (June 13, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Wallace Martin Greene, Jr. (NSN: 0-4539), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer of Tactical Group ONE, Fifth Amphibious Corps, prior to and during the Eniwetok Operation from November 1943 to March 1944. With limited personnel to assist him, he was completely successful in preparing operational plans and orders for the embarkation of Tactical Group ONE and the task assigned that Group in the Kwajalein Operation and in preparing operational plans and orders for the subsequent Eniwetok Operation. The success of Tactical Group ONE through these operations was due, in large measure, to his efficient and detailed planning and his conscientious devotion to duty. His skillful performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Greene is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
January 1, 1964 – December 31, 1967
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 Wallace Martin Greene, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4539), 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 Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1 January 1964 to 31 December 1967. Tireless, imaginative, far seeing, and fiercely dedicated to the enduring purposes of the Nation, General Greene consistently demonstrated preeminent leadership qualities as the Marine Corps met successfully its worldwide military commitments while concurrently implementing new and progressive management programs and techniques that have made it a model of military efficiency and economy. Under General Greene’s inspiring guidance and dynamic leadership, the Marine Corps reached a level of unsurpassed combat readiness and managerial efficiency during a period of worldwide tensions, conflicts and challenges to the national security of the United States. Under his supervision, the Marine Corps was substantially increased in size, and committed half of its combat forces to the defense of freedom in the Republic of Vietnam. Believing in the supreme worth of the individual, he consistently concerned himself with the individual well-being of not only the men and women for whom he was responsible, but also with the welfare and peace of mind of their dependents and parents. His advice on national security matters was invariably wise and respected. A rare mixture of compassion and strong determination, he earned the deep loyalty, profound respect and great admiration of all with whom he served–Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, statesmen, government leaders and civil servants alike. By his strong character and unimpeachable integrity, he has maintained the high standards of the Marine Corps and added new achievements to its illustrious history. General Greene’s distinguished service to the United States during more than forty-one years of devoted duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Naval Service and his country.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
June 15 – August 3, 1944
Commanding General FMF Pacific: Serial 5495 (January 17, 1945)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 Lieutenant Colonel Wallace Martin Greene, Jr. (NSN: 0-4539), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations Officer of a Marine Division prior to and during actions against enemy forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 3 August 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Greene, by his outstanding professional ability and foresight; and by his planning and coordination of the activities under his supervision, thoroughly and efficiently indoctrinated and trained the Division for both the ship-to-shore and inland phases of these operations. During the periods of combat, his sound knowledge and understanding of military tactics were of material value to the success of the operations of the division. He worked unceasingly and his energy and zeal were unsurpassed. His loyalty, efficiency and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Greene is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)