The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Michael William Hagee, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Eleventh Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Forces Pacific, Camp Pendleton, California, from January 1992 to April 1993. During this period, Colonel Hagee brought a wealth of managerial expertise and leadership to the command and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of its mission. Through his superior resourcefulness and expert guidance, he was pivotal in the unit’s successful deployment which included joint and combined amphibious raids and assaults in two theaters of operations and on three continents. Performing as the lead element for a United Nations’ operation, Colonel Hagee played a critical role in controlling and coordinating the movement of Pakistani Forces to the City of Mogadishu in the hunger-ravaged country of Somalia. As Operation RESTORE HOPE’s military spokesman, his in-depth understanding of political and tribal nuances among the Somali warlords was instrumental in guaranteeing the successful completion of the first three phases of the operation. As a liaison between the United States Special Envoy and numerous political leaders, Colonel Hagee’s endeavors proved invaluable in assuring the safety of Marines and other American personnel involved in relief operations. Because of his diligent efforts, he was respected and admired by all who observed him. Colonel Hagee’s exceptional ability, initiative, and total dedication 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.

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 to Colonel Michael William Hagee, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Military Assistant to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington, DC, from June 1993 to March 1994. Through his exceptional drive and effectiveness, Colonel Hagee was instrumental in coordinating the activities of the headquarters’ staff agencies in supporting the Assistant Commandant. Using his keen ability to identify the crucial issues underlying complex matters, he developed workable solutions to difficult and extremely time sensitive problems. Colonel Hagee established an outstanding rapport with the executive assistants of the departments and divisions within the headquarters, and initiated and maintained efficient liaison with his counterparts in the offices of the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy, and Under Secretary of the Navy. His personal tact and thorough knowledge of all matters relating to the Marine Corps enhanced his effectiveness in coordinating matters of utmost sensitivity and complexity. Additionally, he implemented measures to increase the utility of automated computer systems into daily operations of the headquarters, thereby making progress toward the Assistant Commandant’s vision of a “paperless environment.” Because of his diligent efforts and innovative approaches, he was respected and admired by all who observed him. By his exceptional ability, initiative, and total dedication to duty, Colonel Hagee reflected great credit upon himself 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 a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Michael William Hagee, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as the Director of Character Development, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland from March 1994 through January 1995. Responsible for the Character Development and honor education of future Naval and Marine Corps officers at the Navy’s only undergraduate institution, Colonel Hagee guided faculty, staff, and the Brigade of Midshipmen in the establishment of effective and lasting programs. His superb leadership, during a most challenging time in the history of the Naval Academy, has enhanced the Academy’s reputation as an institution which provides graduates who are dedicated to a career of naval service and are imbued with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty. His personal example challenged the Brigade of Midshipmen to more fully develop their sense of honor, and to mature into leaders of character. Colonel Hagee’s exceptional professional ability, initiative, and loyal dedication 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.