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.

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.