The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Randolph McCall Pate (MCSN: 0-3747), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on the Staff of the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, pacific, as Deputy Chief of Staff, from 9 September 1944 to 1 July 1945. Colonel Pate’s ready grasp of the great magnitude of the mission of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in the conduct of the war against the Japanese enemy, and the application of that understanding to the proper operation of this Headquarters, was of inestimable service to the Commanding General and the Chief of Staff and resulted in a more efficient prosecution of the war by this Force. Through his broad and veteran knowledge of amphibious operations, he was able to relieve the Commanding General and the Chief of Staff of administrative details and to direct and coordinate the General and Special Staff sections, welding them into an efficiently functioning unit. In addition to his great professional ability, Colonel Pate possessed from his subordinates a loyal performance of duties at all times. His outstanding initiative, tack, and sound judgment in the performance of his many and complex duties aided the Commanding General during the time of amphibious operations on Palau, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa Shima. His devotion to duty in a position of responsibility and his conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions 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 with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Randolph McCall Pate (MCSN: 0-3747), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the seizure and defense of Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands. In this hastily planned operation which became the turning point in the war in the Pacific, Lieutenant Colonel Pate serves as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, FIRST Marine Division from the receipt of the directive for operation on 26 June to 30 September 1942. He dealt with many difficult logistical problems arising from the exceptional circumstances of the operation; the wide dispersion of the elements of the landing force at embarkation; the largely independent status of the force; the absence of normal supporting agencies; the great distance from the area of operations to supporting bases; inadequate communications; and limited means for supply and evacuation, as well as the prolonged period of constant enemy action. In the face of these difficulties Lieutenant Colonel Pate planned and supervised the execution of logistical arrangements which effectively supported tactical operations during the assault and the long bitter defense. The outstanding devotion to duty and high professional ability constantly demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Pate contributed materially to the success of the Guadalcanal Campaign. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.