The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Leon Newby Utter (MCSN: 0-49824), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 7 July 1965 to 5 June 1966. Throughout his assignment, Lieutenant Colonel Utter exhibited extraordinary leadership and professional skill in the performance of his demanding duties. His exceptional ability as a tactician was proved repeatedly in numerous combat operations in which his Battalion participated, including Operations HARVEST MOON and UTAH. By his personal example of courage and determination, he inspired all who served with him to attain goals not considered possible under existing adverse battle conditions. Under his brilliant guidance, his Battalion achieved enviable records in combat, accounting for heavy losses to the enemy. By his exceptional military proficiency, bold leadership and unfaltering dedication to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Utter contributed in large measure to the accomplishment of the Marine Corps’ mission in the Republic of Vietnam and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Utter is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
December 9 – 19, 1965
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Leon Newby Utter (MCSN: 0-49824), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 9 to 19 December 1965. During the conduct of Operation HARVEST MOON, Lieutenant Colonel Utter expertly led his Battalion on extended search and destroy operations through areas in Quang Nam Province which had been stubbornly controlled by the Viet Cong for an extended period. With limited time for preparation, he conducted tactical motor march, effected a vertical assault and maneuvered his men to reinforce another battalion which was heavily engaged with Viet Cong forces superior in number. His swift and decisive action forced the enemy to break contact and withdraw. His exceptional professional skill was further exhibited in a vertical assault to a river crossing site which effectively blocked the likely avenue of escape for retreating hostile forces. With brilliant leadership and stalwart determination, he led his battalion on a twenty-five mile march through tortuous hills and flooded rice paddies, on one occasion retaliating superbly when attacked by a large, heavily armed Viet Cong force. Swiftly and aggressively, Lieutenant Colonel Utter succeeded in eliminating the enemy threat. Repeatedly exposing himself to the hostile fire with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Utter demonstrated exceptional presence of mind and professional skill in controlling the actions of his Battalion and coordinating supporting artillery and air strikes. As a result of his superior tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, more than one hundred Viet Cong were killed and the Battalion’s mission accomplished with marked success. By his brilliant leadership, uncommon professional abilities and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Utter upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
March 4, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Leon Newby Utter (MCSN: 0-49824), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 March 1966, during Operation UTAH, Lieutenant Colonel Utter’s Battalion was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Ngai Province when it came in contact with an closed on an enemy force consisting of two battalions of the Thirty-Sixth North Vietnamese Forces. Exhibiting uncommon daring and keen tactical skill, Lieutenant Colonel Utter deployed his units in an effective manner which took the offensive from the numerically superior enemy. In order to effect the disposition of his forces, he fearlessly advanced with forward elements. At times only two hundred meters from the Viet Cong, he stalwartly maintained a position from which he could accurately estimate the rapidly changing combat situation and maintain the offensive. His disregard for his own safety at the height of the bitter engagement, coupled with his methodical analysis and explicit orders, steadied his officers and men and served as the motivating force that carried the tide of the battle, resulting in an overwhelming defeat of the enemy force. By his extraordinary military proficiency, resolute fighting spirit and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Utter upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 27, 1970 – April 14, 1971
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 Colonel Leon Newby Utter (MCSN: 0-49824), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the III Marine Amphibious Force in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 27 July 1970 to 14 April 1971. Throughout this period, Colonel Utter performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as the Force Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, during a period of rapidly accelerating planning requirements and constantly shifting operational considerations, he exhibited superb leadership and sound tactical judgment as he skillfully coordinated and directed the internal administration of his section and ably supervised the extremely complex and often sensitive functions within the Force Command Center with its primary emphasis on monitoring the combat operations not only of the III Marine Amphibious Force subordinate commands but also adjacent United States Army division, Vietnamese Air Force units, and Allied Military Assistance forces within Military Region I. An exceptionally articulate and imaginative officer, Colonel Utter personally prepared a number of extremely informative and meaningful briefings for Headquarters personnel as well as visiting dignitaries and officials. In addition to ably preparing Force position papers for his commanding general, Colonel Utter, as Force Project Officer, skillfully moderated the review of Tactical Data Systems and Integrated Battlefield and Sensing/Surveillance devices. Reassigned as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 for the FIRST Marine Division on 5 December 1970, he worked tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail to assimilate rapidly the diverse facets of his assignment and make timely and accurate decision in recommendations submitted to the commanding general during the extremely critical time involving the phased redeployment of Marine forces from Vietnam and the formulation of plans for the activation of the III Marine Amphibious Brigade. Possessing a keen, analytical mind and displaying exceptional tactical skills, he expertly coordinated and supervised the Division’s combat actions during Operations IMPERIAL LAKE and UPSHUR STREAM, as well as the saturation patrolling and ambush activities in the rocket belt and the approaches to the DaNang Vital Area. His extraordinary initiative and determination earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his leadership, professional acumen, and unwavering devotion to duty, Colonel Utter rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel utter is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)