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 Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Emanuel Andersen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-61855), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Republic of Vietnam from 6 June 1971 to 5 June 1972. As Director, Plans Division and as Directory, Recovery Studies Division, Studies and Observations Group, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Lieutenant Colonel Andersen displayed exceptional knowledge, outstanding organizational ability, great initiative, superb leadership, inexhaustible energy and a unique ability to rapidly formulate concept plans, studies and programs. He exhibited unflagging effort as Plans Officer in order to develop a dedicated Prisoner of War Recovery Task Force for operations against known prisoner of war detention sites in Southeast Asia. As Director, Recovery Studies Division he was personally instrumental in reorganizing the Recovery Studies Division so that great attention could be directed toward the planning and conduct of prisoner of war recovery operations. Of equally significant importance was his immediate realization of a potentially dangerous situation when an American repatriate reported that he was to be part of a prisoner of war exchange. Colonel Andersen’s quick and correct actions undoubtedly saved the United States Government from being placed in an extremely embarrassing international situation. Throughout this tour of duty Colonel Andersen exemplified the finest attributes of an officer of the United States Marine Corps by his military bearing, devotion to duty, outstanding service and professional competence. These qualities reflected great credit upon himself, his organization and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorAction Date:
January 17 – December 2, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Andrew Emanuel Andersen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-61855), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 17 January to 2 December 1966 while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Senior Advisor to Task Force BRAVO, Vietnamese Marine Corps, Major Andersen participated in 20 major combat operations against enemy forces during which units advised by him killed numerous Viet Cong, captured 75, detained many suspects, and confiscated large amounts of equipment, supplies and weapons. Six of the 20 operations were combined operations involving United States forces. Major Andersen was often exposed to enemy fire and his decisive actions, despite extreme personal danger, contributed significantly to decisive victories over Viet Cong forces. The counsel and assistance given to the Vietnamese Marines by Major Andersen markedly increased the combat effectiveness of the task force units. His courageous acts as a volunteer liaison officer between Vietnamese Marines and the United States forces during the attempt by anti-government forces to seize the city of DaNang in Quang Nam Province during the period 15 May to 22 May 1966 were valuable to United States forces in the area since they provided senior United States officers with first-hand accounts of the situation. Major Andersen’s voluntary participation in this action resulted in his saving the lives of three wounded American newsmen. His outstanding professionalism, courage under fire and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Major Andersen is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Andrew Emanuel Andersen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-61855), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as an advisor to Task Force BRAVO and the First Vietnamese Marine Battalion in action against enemy forces during Operation LIEN KET 52/COLORADO in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 6 August to 7 August 1966. As a task force advisor, Major Andersen repeatedly exposed himself to direct enemy fire by moving into a landing zone to direct the medical evacuation of dead and wounded Marines. After replacing a wounded advisor with the First Vietnamese Marine Battalion, Major Andersen unhesitatingly moved through intense enemy fire to a shallow foxhole under the direct observation of a strong enemy force and from that position, directed and adjusted a number of successful air strikes despite a low ceiling and intermittent rain. On several occasions, he deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire to obtain and provide more information on the enemy emplacements. Through his courage and skillful direction of air strikes, Major Andersen contributed directly to the decisive defeat of a large Viet Cong force. His devotion to duty and exemplary professional performance were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.