The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Willard Fiske Lochridge, IV (MCSN: 0-92140), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Civil Affairs Officer, First Tank Battalion, FMF, FIRST Marine Division from 7 September 1966 to 3 April 1967 when that unit was engaged in combat against communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Civil Affairs Officer, First Lieutenant Lochridge consistently and untiringly performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, exhibiting great competence, judgment, resourcefulness and professional skill. First Lieutenant Lochridge worked diligently to accomplish pacification tasks in a wide variety of programs designed, by himself, to achieve rapport and empathy with the Vietnamese people. While accomplishing these tasks he simultaneously was planning, directing and coordinating the many logistical aspects of the Civic Action projects designed to promote the well being of the people and create a meaningful standard of self-sufficiency to some 12,000 Vietnamese in a fifty-square-mile area. First Lieutenant Lochridge’s unique, aggressive and inspiring approach to the Revolutionary Development programs generated an atmosphere among the Vietnamese villagers that contributed immeasurably to denying subversive and terrorist Viet Cong activities within the FIRST Marine Division’s Southern Rear Sector. His continuous effort to devise programs to assist the Vietnamese in achieving self-sufficiency required constant coordination with U.S. and Vietnamese Military and governmental agencies. First Lieutenant Lochridge distinguished himself in leadership and advisory roles in the vast pacification programs as well as actively and successfully leading numerous patrols and sweeps destined to root out Viet Cong terrorists and cadre leaders. By his leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Lochridge upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (First Lieutenant Lochridge is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)