(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Willard Paul Armes (MCSN: 0-106503), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Armes and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and 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:
ColonelAction Date:
July 1991 – March 1993
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Willard Paul Armes (MCSN: 0-106503), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, Marine Reserve Force, Worcester, Massachusetts, from July 1991 to March 1993. Through his sterling leadership, Colonel Armes significantly improved the operational, logistical, and administrative readiness of the regiment. His foresight and non-linear approach to problem solving instilled flexibility and creativity throughout the division. Colonel Armes served as Commander, Forty-Fifth Marine Expeditionary Unit, Combined Armes Exercise 7-92 at Twentynine Palms, California. His diligent efforts and multiple options approach thoroughly exercised the regiment and battalion staffs in Marine Air-Ground Task Force planning and execution, enhancing their experience and warfighting capability. Throughout his tenure, the readiness posture increased to 90 percent and military occupational specialty qualifications rose to 95 percent. Because of his exceptional commitment to the total force, Colonel Armes forged an integrated staff of active duty and Reserve Marines fully capable of executing a wide variety of missions. His superb knowledge, civic involvement, and personal conduct elected the respect and admiration of all with whom he served. By his exemplary ability, initiative, and total dedication to duty, Colonel Armes reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
9th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
February 10, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Willard Paul Armes (MCSN: 0-106503), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 10 February 1969, Second Lieutenant Armes’ platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the Da Krong River when the Marines came under intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Armes rushed forward to the lead element of his platoon and quickly deployed his men, directing his machine gunners to establish a base of fire which enabled him to maneuver his platoon into more defensible positions. Lacking a platoon sergeant and other senior noncommissioned officers, he constantly moved among his men throughout the entire fire fight, directing their fire, supervising and assisting with the evacuation of the wounded, and maneuvering his unit toward its objective. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, he fearlessly encouraged his men to move forward until they secured their objective late the following morning, accounting for twenty-five hostile soldiers killed during the entire battle. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were responsible for the successful completion of his platoon’s mission. By his courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Armes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.