The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Edward Joseph Lloyd (MCSN: 0-88909), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Head, Security Branch, Operations Division, Plans, Policies, and Operations Department, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. from June 1987 to June 1988. During this period, Colonel Lloyd provided noteworthy and innovative staff oversight and supervision of Marine Corps Security programs worldwide, ensuring the security of extremely sensitive United States military installations and diplomatic missions vital to the security of the United States. Assuming leadership of the Branch at a time when the operation and organization of all Marine Corps Security Forces were undergoing significant restructuring, Colonel Lloyd demonstrated a unique ability to direct the reorganization actions in a manner which provided positive and progressive enhancements to the various programs while, at the same time, allowing minimum disruption to normal operations. Through his application of sound management techniques, the reorganization of both the Navy and Marine Corps Security Forces capitalized on available manpower and provided improved security to naval vessels and installations and diplomatic facilities with no Department of the Navy end strength increase. Colonel Lloyd’s outstanding leadership, mature judgment, and inspiring 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
February 22, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Edward Joseph Lloyd (MCSN: 0-88909), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 22 February 1966 during Operation DOUBLE EAGLE II in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat patrol mission, Lieutenant Lloyd’s platoon made contact with an estimated platoon of insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces. Deadly, accurate enemy automatic weapons fire pinned down the patrol headquarters, critically wounding three of the headquarters personnel. Ignoring his own safety, Lieutenant Lloyd dashed through the intense fire to his lead elements, directed their fire on the enemy positions, and ordered an immediate assault. Moving through the deadly enemy fire again, he positioned his machine gun and rocket squads and skillfully directed their fire to support the assaulting unit. This aggressive action so stunned the enemy that they were unable to maintain their defensive positions and withdrew to less favorable terrain. Remaining exceptionally calm throughout, he called for and adjusted artillery fire missions on the enemy and requested helicopter evacuation of his wounded, all in a highly professional manner. Still under heavy fire he moved into the open and helped carry three wounded men to a more secure area. When helicopters became available, he directed suppressive fires on the enemy which enabled the helicopter to land and evacuate the wounded men. Lieutenant Lloyd then reorganized his patrol and assaulted two villages to which the enemy had withdrawn and accounted for six known Viet Cong dead. His tactical judgment and display of uncommon courage prevented heavy friendly casualties and was instrumental in the success of the mission. By his heroic actions and calm resourcefulness under most adverse conditions, First Lieutenant Lloyd upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.