Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Edward Joseph Bronars (MCSN: 0-50746), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1969 to July 1971. During this period, Colonel Bronars was assigned as an Action Officer; Marine Corps Planner; and Assistant Head of the Joint Plans and Policy Team, of the Joint Planning Group Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans and Programs), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. As an action officer and, subsequently as a Marine Corps Planner, Colonel Bronars formulated Marine Corps positions for use by the Commandant in his deliberations with the Joint Chiefs of Staff on strategy, force planning matters and all phases of the annual Planning, Programming and Budgeting cycle, including the development of the Joint Strategic Objectives Plan and the Joint Force Memorandum. In addition, in late 1969, he conducted an analysis and developed a new basis for determination of Marine Corps force requirements that resulted in the development of concepts, goals, and force levels which would ensure the best contribution of Marine Corps forces to a revised national military strategy. Further, Colonel Bronars provided the essential leadership in early 1971 in safeguarding the future of Navy Research and Development programs related to amphibious warfare by preparing and presenting the major portion of a Navy/Marine Corps presentation to a Defense Science Board Task Force. Colonel Bronars’ exemplary dedication, outstanding professional competence, and enthusiasm in performing his duties, coupled with the willingness with which he subordinated personal demands while discharging these tasks, have been instrumental in ensuring that the best interests of the Service and of the nation have been served. By his distinguished accomplishments throughout this period, he reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Edward Joseph Bronars (MCSN: 0-50746), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    August 8, 1964 – July 22, 1965

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Edward Joseph Bronars (MCSN: 0-50746), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Marine Advisor, Rung Sat Special Zone from 8 August 1964 to 2 July 1965. Major Bronars accompanied Vietnamese paramilitary forces on more than forty squad, platoon, company and battalion size combat operations in Rung Sat Special Zone, the largest Viet Cong infested mangrove swamp in Vietnam. Major Bronars unhesitatingly led one assault on a fortified insurgent position, which routed the enemy forces; exposed himself to heavy hostile fire on numerous occasions in order to influence the action against the armed insurgents; volunteered for and participated in a daring ambush attack deep in Viet Cong controlled territory; coolly conducted a successful medical evacuation of an American Army Lieutenant and 5 Vietnamese soldiers while under sniper fire; and successfully influenced the destruction of more than twenty Viet Cong bases in the Rung Sat Special Zone. With knowledge of the dangers involved and complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Bronars repeatedly accompanied operational units in order that he could better evaluate the advisory effort. As a result of his heroic conduct and fearless devotion to duty, he became an inspiration to the Vietnamese officers and men and was directly responsible for disrupting the Viet Cong attempts at controlling Rung Sat Special Zone. Major Bronars’ personal heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    July 1979 – July 1982

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Edward Joseph Bronars (MCSN: 0-50746), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps from July 1979 through July 1982. Instrumental in the development and implementation of numerous policies, programs, and procedures to improve the overall well-being of Marines, their dependents, and civilian personnel, Lieutenant General Bronars rendered invaluable service toward ensuring the readiness posture of the Marine Corps in an all-volunteer environment. His wealth of knowledge, along with his superb operational, staff, and command expertise, enabled him to rapidly isolate and define problem areas, to arrive at sound and logical conclusions, and to direct proper corrective action. Through Lieutenant General Bronars’ innovative approaches in manpower planning and his superb management of these plans, the Marine Corps achieved well beyond its goals in recruitment and retention. In addition, his extensive personal investigation led to enhanced Marine Corps policies on illegal drug use and alcohol abuse. Lieutenant General Bronars’ dynamic performance, perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.