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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
January 1, 1956 – December 31, 1959
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Randolph McCall Pate (MCSN: 0-3747), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1 January 1956 to 31 December 1959. Qualifying for that high position through broad experience in operational and strategic planning posts, and as a combat leader, General Pate conducted the affairs of his office with vision and determination resulting in the realization of modern amphibious concepts and landing force objectives, while ensuring the continuous readiness of the Fleet Marine Forces for employment in furtherance of our National Security. From his service in World War II and Korea, and in the tradition of his Corps, he brought to the office of the Commandant a deep consciousness of the requirements for the effective training of the individual Marine and basic combatant units. Combining this with a keen comprehension of National policies and defense organization, and of joint and combined military operations, he contributed greatly in planning for major deployments and timely naval exercises. In addition, General Pate gained for the United States the appreciation of allied leaders and their peoples by his interest and assistance in improving the effectiveness and prestige of their armed forces. General Pate’s distinguished contribution to the Government of the United States during thirty-eight years of unswerving devotion to duty in both war and peace, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Naval Service and has brought honor to the United States Marine Corps.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
June 15, 1953 – May 12, 1954
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 53 (July 9, 1954)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Randolph McCall Pate (MCSN: 0-3747), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility in Korea from 15 June 1953 to 12 May 1954. Serving as Commanding General, FIRST United States Marine Division (Reinforced), General Pate exhibited dynamic leadership and military proficiency in tactics, training, and operational procedure, which were vitally essential to the successful operations of a reinforced division. Moving the FIRST Marine Division from corps reserve to position on line shortly after he assumed control of the FIRST Marine Division, he was responsible for a sector that was far greater in size than is normally the area of responsibility for a division. He employed the most astute military judgment and discretion in the deployment of his troops, and was able to contain the enemy and maintain the integrity of the United Nations line during the final enemy offensive. Subsequent to the armistice agreement, he initiated an intensive salvage program of the old battle position, realizing a savings of thousands of dollars for the command, and then personally supervised and guided the construction of new main battle positions, again on a greatly extended front. Aware of the necessity for maintaining combat readiness throughout the post armistice period, he implemented an aggressive realistic and comprehensive training program of dual purpose consisting of orientation and indoctrination in the battle techniques of both ground warfare and amphibious assault operation. In addition, he cooperated and coordinated with interested units during the unprecedented “Big Switch” prisoner of war exchange. This sensitive project fell within the Division area of responsibility, and through his foresight and organizational prowess, the repatriation program was completed without any untoward incidents. Throughout his tenure, he evinced the utmost in command ability in spite of the magnitude of his command and scope of his position, and through the success achieved by the FIRST Marine Division; he demonstrated his professional competence and capability. The exceptionally meritorious service rendered by General Pate in accomplishing the United Nations Mission in Korea reflects the greatest credit upon himself and upholds the most esteemed traditions of the military profession.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
September 9, 1944 – July 1, 1945
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane BlakeneyThe 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.