The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Richard C. Schulze (MCSN: 0-83080), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving in various capacities with the THIRD Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 13 August 1968 to 23 August 1969. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Schulze performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as the G-3 Operations Officer, he ably coordinated and supervised the activities of his section and provided a consistently high level of support to his command. Working tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail, he implemented administrative and control procedures which ensured the accurate and timely preparation of situation reports, and he rendered invaluable assistance in developing plans for a series of combat operations which inflicted heavy losses on numerically superior North Vietnamese Army forces. Reassigned as the Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Third Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Schulze molded his unit into a strong fighting force and participated in five major combat operations, including Operations TAYLOR COMMON and VIRGINIA RIDGE. Boldly moving to forward positions, he aggressively directed his companies in pursuit of enemy forces and ensured the delivery of concentrated firepower against areas known to contain hostile sanctuaries and supply depots. In addition, he planned and supervised the execution of tactical maneuvers which thwarted repeated attempts by the enemy to launch a major offensive against the DaNang Vital Area. Under his dynamic and courageous leadership, his battalion accounted for numerous enemy soldiers killed and was instrumental in the seizure of large caches of ammunition and other supplies. His remarkable ability to evaluate tactical situations and initiate effective maneuvers earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his leadership, extraordinary professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Schulze rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Schulze is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
3d MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
June 16 – 22, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Richard C. Schulze (MCSN: 0-83080), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Commanding Officer, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 16 June 1969, during Operation VIRGINIA RIDGE, Lieutenant Colonel Schulze boldly led his battalion on an assault into Leatherneck Square, an area in the vicinity of Dong Ha which had remained unoccupied by Marines for nearly a year. When a large North Vietnamese Army force launched an attack against elements of his battalion on the following day and his command post came under intense hostile mortar, rocket-propelled grenade, and small arms fire, pinning down his command group, he continued to maintain close contact with each of his units and issued orders for the tactical employment of his command. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Schulze simultaneously coordinated and directed the actions of the headquarters group and inspired such an aggressive fighting spirit among his men that the North Vietnamese assault against his command post was repulsed and thirty-five enemy soldiers were killed. Under his dynamic leadership during the ensuing days of combat, he displayed such superb skill in directing decisive actions that by the time his phase of the operation was concluded on 22 June, 139 hostile soldiers had been killed, four prisoners taken, and numerous weapons captured. This decisive defeat of elements of two North Vietnamese Army battalions was instrumental in thwarting a planned enemy offensive against military installations and population centers in the Dong Ha and Cam Lo areas of Quang Tri Province. By his courage, superior leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Schulze upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 1971 – May 1973
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 Major General Richard C. Schulze (MCSN: 0-83080), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1971 to May 1973, while serving as the Special Assistant and Marine Corps Aide to two Secretaries of the Navy. Throughout this period, Colonel Schulze has provided invaluable assistance in the formulation of policy and resolution of issues of the greatest importance to the Naval Service and to the defense of the United States. His broad military experience and exceptional knowledge have resulted in advice and assistance of inestimable value to the Secretariat with regard to Marine Corps plans, programs and policies. In particular, Colonel Schulze’s service in a liaison capacity between the Navy and Marine Corps greatly enhanced the mutual respect and understanding which exists among members of the Navy-Marine Corps team. Due to his originality, initiative and imperturbability, always coupled with enthusiasm and a balanced perspective, he has been an exceptional member of the Secretary of the Navy’s personal staff. Colonel Schulze’s consistently outstanding record of achievement and loyal devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.