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 Robert T. Hanifin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-48995), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Director of the Twelfth Marine Corps District from 1 September 1971 to 30 June 1973. During that critical period in which the nation made transition from compulsory military service to an all-volunteer armed force, Colonel Hanifin skillfully and imaginatively managed the recruiting and reserve establishments of the 10 western states, successfully meeting or exceeding all goals established for his District. Assigned a critical mission of personnel procurement within a sometimes dubious population, he encouraged, inspired, and directed his subordinates to proudly and aggressively display their Marine Corps ideals of patriotism, loyalty, and citizenship. His direction and dedication were not only effective in winning public support for the District’s mission, but also increased each individual Marine’s pride in himself and in his Corps. Colonel Hanifin prudently, yet inventively, organized the assets allotted him for all-volunteer recruiting. He located new stations and moved recruiters for the greatest possible efficiency. He changed basic techniques, extended each recruiter’s area of communication, and he consolidated all the District’s efforts toward the successful procurement of personnel for the regular and reserve Marine Corps. His innovations, leadership, and managerial skills brought personnel procurement within the District to a level of success it had not attained even under the stimulation of compulsory military service. Further, he strengthened the communities of the District through an active program of Marine Corps involvement and domestic action. Superior performance of duties as typified above was the hallmark of Colonel Hanifin’s career in accomplishing broad and diverse tasks in both combat and other assignments and highlighted the culmination of more than 29 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. By his outstanding direction of all Marine Corps affairs within the Twelfth Marine Corps District, Colonel Hanifin upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Hanifin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-48995), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam in 1966.