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 Colonel William P. McLaughlin, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, II Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command from July 2007 to February 2009. As Commanding Officer to over 3,200 Marines and Sailors, he led and directed the support to one of the largest and most geographically diverse regiments in the Marine Corps. During his tour, Colonel McLaughlin expertly performed Title 10 Service responsibilities and provided specialized, tailored anti-terrorism forces to the Geographic Combatant Commanders as well as supported the Global War on Terrorism. This tumultuous time demanded a precise and near perfect management of Marine Corps Security Forces worldwide. He led his two battalions, eight companies, and the Regional Staff to unparalleled levels of performance. His personal mentorship of each Officer and Staff Noncommissioned Officer within the Regiment demonstrated his unwavering devotion to developing the future leaders of the Marine Corps. He oversaw the force structure realignment and reorganization planning of Marine Corps Security Forces located around the world. This task, which included a major revision of the command’s Table of Organization and Table of Equipment, reflected the evolving global responsibilities and increasing mission requirements for Marine Corps Security Forces. Always with an eye to the future, Colonel McLaughlin’s vision and forward-thinking initiatives will benefit Marine Corps Security Forces for years to come. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment and loyal devotion to duty, Colonel McLaughlin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel William P. McLaughlin, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Head, Command Operations, G-3 Division, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, from July 2005 through May 2007. Throughout this period, Colonel McLaughlin’s technical expertise and managerial acumen materially contributed to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific’s ability to balance multiple and complex issues as the service component for one unified command and one sub-unified command. His demonstrated skills in coordinating plans and actions, joint and combined operations, component responsibilities, and service policies enabled him to provide superb support to geographically separated organizations. Colonel McLaughlin was also instrumental in developing an effective battle staff to better support the Commander during exercises, operations, and short notice contingencies. Additionally, his superb staff expertise, organizational ability, and inspirational leadership were critical to the successful worldwide deployment of numerous units in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and Exercise Noble Eagle. Colonel McLaughlin’s direct interaction was crucial to the success of major force movements and the formulation and implementation of policies that will serve Marine forces well into the future. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment, and loyal devotion to duty, Colonel McLaughlin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William P. McLaughlin, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, from February 2009 to June 2010, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Through his thorough understanding of counterinsurgency operations, Colonel McLaughlin contributed materially to the Brigade’s mission to partner with Afghan forces and assist the Government of Afghanistan to restore peace and security to the Helmand River Valley. He translated commander’s intent and guidance into clear direction that enabled the economics, governance, rule of law, and communication lines of operation. Colonel McLaughlin worked tirelessly and led the Brigade staff during this historic Marine Corps deployment, which saw personal growth double to over 20,000 United States and Coalition Forces. His meticulous oversight provided the Commanding General the flexibility to develop capacity among the Afghan Security Forces, fight the enemy, and transform the narco-terrorist infested Helmand Province into the model of success for the rest of Afghanistan. Under his tutelage, managerial acumen and diligence, the Brigade staff excelled during countless combat operations, establishing favorable condition for follow-on North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces. Colonel McLaughlin’s superior performance of duties highlights the culmination of 27 years of honorable and dedicated service. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment, and loyal devotion to duty, Colonel McLaughlin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.