The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Donald Lee Price (MCSN: 0-82924), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as a Plans Action Officer, Joint Strategy and Planning Branch, Plans Division of the Plans, Policies and Operations Department, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps from July 1981 to May 1984. Colonel Price was responsible for Marine Corps input to numerous important documents and issues under the purview of the Joint Chiefs of Staff including the Defense Guidance, the Sea Lane Defense Study, and the Joint Strategic Planning Document and its Supporting Assessment. He played a major role in developing National Security Decision Directive-32, the cornerstone strategy document of the National Command Authorities. In scholarly seminars, joint working and study forums, and Service and National-level war games, Colonel Price diplomatically articulated the national security advantages found in maritime superiority and skillfully highlighted the primal role seapower plays in support of national policies. Colonel Price’s strategic vision, statesmanlike leadership, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 1, 1988 – June 30, 1991
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Donald Lee Price (MCSN: 0-82924), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as faculty member, Department of Military Strategy and Operations, and Chairman, Department of Joint and Combined Warfare, National War College, National Defense University, from 1 August 1988 to 30 June 1991. Colonel Price’s superb professionalism, academic expertise, and managerial excellence enhanced the performance of students and other faculty members. As the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Chair at the College, Colonel Price brought a broad operational staff, and combat experience to bear in rendering unique and valuable sea service perspective to joint military education. The distinctive accomplishments to Colonel Price reflect great credit upon himself, the National Defense University, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 1991 – June 1992
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Donald Lee Price (MCSN: 0-82924), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Deputy Directory, Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA), from July 1991 to June 1992. During this period, Colonel Price’s exceptional performance of duty was characterized by visionary leadership, unprecedented cooperation, and a unique ability to overcome tremendous challenges. His significant accomplishments include elevating the Department of Defense postal mission to new visibility in the joint arena and crating an atmosphere of cooperation with the United States Postal Service which led to unparalleled advances in providing better postal service to military customers. His dynamic leadership was instrumental in successfully implementing the Zip Code Alignment and Address Standardization Program which will allow military mail to take advantage of United States Postal Service automation. He laid a comprehensive foundation for excellence which shaped the manner in which the MPSA will accomplish its mission into the 21st century. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Price culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Donald Lee Price (MCSN: 0-82924), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving in connection with operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 April 1972. Major Price was serving as Senior Advisor to the FIFTH Vietnamese Marine Corps Infantry Battalion during combat operations in the enemy-held Hai Lang Jungle of Quang Tri Province. The battalion encountered a North Vietnamese Regiment which launched repeated human wave assaults supported by intensive artillery, mortar and recoilless rifle fires in an effort to destroy the FIFTH Battalion. The battalion was forced to withdraw after the enemy assault had successfully fragmented it. Although suffering from wounds received the previous day, Major Price helped to carry the wounded in evacuating the fire-swept area. Realizing the critical nature of the situation, he moved to a vantage position where in full view of the enemy he displayed an air panel to mark the front lines of the friendly forces. He requested and received United States air support assets. With the enemy fifty meters from his exposed position, he briefed the forward air controller on the tactical situation and oriented him on the terrain. Based on Major Price’s accurate observation under the most demanding circumstances, the aircraft were able to drop their ordnance in the midst of the attacking formations causing heavy casualties and halting the enemy assault. He then moved to another exposed position and directed air strikes on enemy units that were blocking the attempted link-up of the FIFTH Battalion units. Although his new position was quickly discovered and subjected to mortar fire, he never wavered from his mission and the route was opened for the link-up of the battalion elements. There were numerous serious friendly casualties including the Assistant Battalion Advisor who needed immediate medical evacuation. Major Price unhesitatingly accompanied a small force which cleared the landing zone of enemy forces. He then twice exposed himself to enemy fire by standing in the middle of the landing zone holding a strobe light to guide the helicopter which had to make two night flights into the zone. He was twice directed to leave the area because of his wounds and near exhaustion, but steadfastly refused because he felt he was needed to assist his unit in its night defensive position. Major Price’s repeated acts of heroism, devotion to duty, courage under fire and exemplary professionalism were an inspiration to his Vietnamese comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.