Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Frank Libutti (MCSN: 0-100427), 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 while serving as Commander, Marine Forces Pacific, from July 1999 to August 2001. Lieutenant General Libutti singularly distinguished himself as a superior leader and strategist, as he directed the complex operational, planning and logistical activities of over two-thirds of the Marine Corps’ combat power and support establishment. Balancing his duties as the Marine Component Commander for United States Pacific Command, the United States Central Command, and the Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, he maintained focus on the warfighting readiness and training of both I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces. Lieutenant General Libutti clearly articulated and advised the Unified and Sub-unified Commands on the capabilities and employment options of Marine forces in preparing for contingencies from major theater war to peace operations. Lieutenant General Libutti oversaw the deployment of Marine forces to East Timor to restore security following violence after that nation’s independence referendum, the dispatch of Marines to support the No-Fly Zones over Iraq, and personally provided the driving energy for successful humanitarian assistance and peace operations missions in the Horn of Africa. As Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, Lieutenant General Libutti championed the Navy-Marine Corps team as an inseparable force in readiness, poised for the challenges of tomorrow. Lieutenant General Libutti’s extraordinary leadership, keen insight, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
9th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
July 2, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Frank Libutti (MCSN: 0-100427), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 July 1967, during Operation CIMARRON, Company C was assigned the mission of reinforcing a beleaguered Marine company which had sustained heavy casualties and was in danger of being overrun by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Arriving in the hazardous landing zone and debarking from the aircraft, Second Lieutenant Libutti’s platoon assumed the point position and, while maneuvering forward, came under enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. As his unit approached the besieged unit, the enemy commenced a vicious artillery and mortar attack. Although he was wounded during the barrage, Second Lieutenant Libutti ignored his painful injuries and assisted his men in placing casualties aboard tanks for evacuation. As the intensity of the attack increased, he sustained a second wound, however he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire and steadfastly continued to assist the wounded. While his unit maneuvered to the landing zone, Second Lieutenant Libutti was wounded a third time. Disregarding his own safety, he continued to lead his platoon and only after he was assured that all the casualties had received treatment and were evacuated, did he submit to medical evacuation. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the extremely dangerous mission. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Libutti 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:
September 1987 – July 1990
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 Frank Libutti (MCSN: 0-100427), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force 1-88 and as Commanding Officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Fleet Marine Force from September 1987 to July 1990. Colonel Libutti’s superior professional knowledge and dynamic leadership spearheaded the rapid formation, equipping, and training of special Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force (AGTF) 1-88. This potent Task Force embarked within three days of receipt of its deployment order and conducted highly important, time constrained operations in support of U.S. policy in the volatile Persian Gulf and North Arabian Sea. MAGTF 1-88’s superior performance earned both the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Navy Unit Commendation. Subsequently, as Commanding Officer of the 11th MEU, Colonel Libutti set the standard for combat readiness for both conventional and special operations capable missions. As a direct result of his unrelenting drive, 11th MEU was the first to successfully pass all standard amphibious and special operations evaluations on the first attempt. Plagued by prolonged extreme weather conditions which caused significant modifications or cancellation of major exercises and training, Colonel Libutti nevertheless demonstrated remarkable flexibility and poise in preparing the MEU for simultaneous real-world contingencies in Panama and the Republic of the Philippines. By his forceful leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Colonel Libutti 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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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
June 20, 1992 – June 13, 1994
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal to Brigadier General Frank Libutti (MCSN: 0-100427), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior services as Commander, Forward Headquarters Element, and Inspector General, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, from 20 June 1992 to 13 June 1994. During this period, General Libutti’s outstanding professional skill and leadership resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Command. As Team Chief for extremely sensitive military-to-military program discussions with countries within the Central Command area of responsibility, he consistently identified problem areas and solutions in a region of the world that is historically sensitive to outside presence. General Libutti spearheaded United States efforts to help friendly countries establish stronger military postures. These endeavors significantly enhanced United States national interests in the region. As military advisor to the United States Liaison Office Mogadishu, he provided the essential link between military and political operations that was key to the initial success of Operation RESTORE HOPE. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Libutti 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:
August 16 – November 11, 1992
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal to Brigadier General Frank Libutti (MCSN: 0-100427), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior services while serving as Commander, Joint Task Force PROVIDE RELIEF, from 16 August 1992 to 11 November 1992. On short notice, General Libutti led a small humanitarian assistance team to Mombase, Kenya where his leadership, dedication, and vision were the key elements in establishing the JTF and initiating the emergency airlift of relief supplies to starving people in Somalia and Kenya. Displaying extraordinary drive, tenacity and diplomacy, he energized the efforts of the numerous agencies and countries involved in the relief effort, to create a model humanitarian assistance system which conducted more than 1,000 aircraft sorties and delivered over 14,000 metric tons of relief supplies. His leadership and genuine concern for people were evident throughout as he developed an intensely cohesive and effective JTF team which was respected and admired by all throughout the region. Particularly noteworthy was his role in facilitating the safe introduction of United Nations forces into Somalia. Demonstrating deft diplomatic skills and leadership of the highest order, he overcame numerous obstacles to forge a consensus amidst the volatile elements in Mogadishu allowing the United Nations to arrive without incident. General Libutti’s singular achievements while serving as CJTF PROVIDE RELIEF resulted in thousands of lives being saved and increased the prestige of the United States in Africa. The distinctive accomplishments of General Libutti 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 2, 1990 – June 19, 1992
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Brigadier General Frank Libutti (MCSN: 0-100427), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior services while assigned the Marine Corps Member, Chairman’s Staff Group, from 2 July 1980 to 19 June 1992. In this critically important assignment, General Libutti serves as the personal advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on a broad range of important and sensitive defense issues focusing on national military strategy and policy toward the nations of the Pacific Basin. General Libutti also served as an Executive Assistant in former Chairman, General John W. Vessey, Jr. (Ret.), Special Presidential Emissary to Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam for POW/MIA Affairs. In this capacity, General Libutti represented General Vessey in many different meetings in Washington, D.C. and across the United States. He accompanied General Vessey to Vietnam on three occasions for high-level negotiations with the Vietnamese. On two other occasions, he traveled to Vietnam to represent the Department of Defense during State Department sponsored humanitarian meetings. In addition, he regularly supported the Chairman in the inter-agency process on issues involving United States policy toward the nations of the Pacific. Throughout this period, he demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, professionalism, and dedication in dealing with some of the nation’s most pressing security matters. The superior accomplishments of Brigadier General Libutti reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
June 1981 – July 1985
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Frank Libutti (MCSN: 0-100427), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Head of the Career Management Section, Enlisted Assignment Branch; Assistant Secretary of the General Staff; and as Senior Aide to the Commandant at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps from June 1981 to July 1985. As the direct supervisor of 67 Officer and Staff Noncommissioned Officer monitors and responsible for career management of over 170,000 enlisted Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Libutti provided a unique brand of leadership and management which resulted in the exceptionally effective operation of his section and the overwhelmingly positive response those in his charge. His consistently frank and fair response to all questions from the field infused a new spirit of sensitivity and productivity within the monitor section and produced new confidence in Headquarters assignment practices throughout the Marine Corps. While serving as the Assistant Secretary of the General Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Libutti displayed the resourcefulness of a true professional. He provided the critical bridge between the various components of the Staff while inspiring teamwork and high morale among all with whom he dealt. Lieutenant Colonel Libutti provided incalculable support to the Commandant and positive leadership for all members of the personal staff in times of great turmoil while serving as Senior Aide to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. By his outstanding professionalism, faultless judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Libutti reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.