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.
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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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
July 2000 – December 2002
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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Michael William Hagee, 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 Hagee reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 1993 – March 1994
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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
March 1994 – January 1995
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.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
January 2003 – November 2006
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Michael William Hagee, 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 Commandant of the Marine Corps, from January 2003 to November 2006. As the thirty-third Commandant, General Hagee recognized the complex nature of the Global War on Terrorism and ensured the Marine Corps was fully trained, equipped, and organized to prevail in the long war against an evolving enemy. He worked tirelessly to meet the demands of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, as well as significant humanitarian operations both abroad and within the contiguous United States, while continually transforming the capabilities of the Marine Corps. He advanced the new operating concepts of Distributed Operations and Seabasing, which offer combatant commanders increased versatility to conduct expeditionary operations ranging from forcible entry from the sea to humanitarian operations. His promotion of these concepts and improved training and education programs enabled Marines to operate skillfully across the full spectrum of conflict and provided the leadership and vision required to maintain a high standard of warfighting excellence. The distinctive accomplishments of General Hagee culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
May 1999 – June 2000
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Michael William Hagee, 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 Director, Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, Headquarters, Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command, from May 1999 to June 2000. General Hagee was instrumental in developing and implementing United States National security policy in the Asia-Pacific region. His outstanding vision and guidance for United States military contact with the armed forces of the 43 nations in the USCINCPAC Area of Responsibility was particularly insightful and forward thinking. He consolidated existing relationships, broke new ground with key regional actors, and expanded unilateral training opportunities. General Hagee ensured that the vital importance of the Asia-Pacific region to the United States was accurately represented in the National Security Strategy, National Military Strategy, and other critical policy documents. Additionally, his comprehensive oversight resulted in the successful accomplishment of the second annual Chiefs of Defense Conference in the Asia-Pacific region. The distinctive accomplishments of General Hagee reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
July 1996 – July 1998
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in awarding the Defense Superior Service Medal to Brigadier General Michael William Hagee, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service while serving as Deputy Director of Operations, Headquarters, United States European Command, from July 1996 to July 1998. During a period of dramatic political upheaval throughout the European Theater, General Hagee was responsible for all United States European Command Operations, to include the major United States force deployment to support Stabilization Force Operations in Bosnia, a humanitarian relief operation in Central Africa and five non-combatant evacuation operations. He accomplished this extraordinary feat through his exceptionally strong and inspirational leadership, concise management and astute political sensitivities to the unique and often critical international situations. Concurrent with these major operations, he ensured all high operational tempo operations continued without interruption, including Operation NORTHERN WATCH, Task Force Able Sentry, and the Beirut Air Bridge. General Hagee’s dedication to mission, loyalty, professionalism and superb operational qualifications were without equal in the United States European Command and set the highest standard of excellence in confronting and resolving the most complex of national security issues of international significance. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Hagee reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.