The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Frederic Leroy Tolleson (MCSN: 0-67884), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4 and Commanding Officer, Sixth Marine Regiment, SECOND Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic from August 1979 to August 1981. During this period, Colonel Tolleson’s performance was characterized by superior professionalism and sound judgment. As the Division Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, he significantly improved the material readiness of the Division while upgrading the logistics readiness of the air alert force. As Commanding Officer, Colonel Tolleson provided the strong positive leadership, resourcefulness, and broad knowledge necessary to prepare Marine units for operations in the harsh environment above the Artic Circle. The flawless execution of Arctic training exercises can be directly attributed to his tireless efforts and operational expertise. By his multitude of professional achievements, astuteness, and untiring devotion to duty, Colonel Tolleson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Frederic Leroy Tolleson (MCSN: 0-67884), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Marine Advisory Unit as an Airborne Coordinator for the Vietnamese Marine Division from 19 March to 25 March 1971. During LAM SON 719 in Military Region I and Laos, Brigade 147 of the Vietnamese Marine Division was in extremely heavy contact with an unusually well-armed North Vietnamese Army force. Major Tolleson flew repeated missions over enemy terrain infested with anti-aircraft weapons during this period to provide a direct link between the brigade elements and United States supporting arms. Completely disregarding intense anti-aircraft fire which had earlier destroyed three other United States helicopters, he directed and controlled a devastating volume of accurate supporting fire on enemy targets which greatly aided the brigade in repulsing all attacks. On 21 Marcy 1971 during the heaviest day of fighting in the entire operation, he flew at extremely low altitudes over enemy lines to observe and assess the tactical situation. Although his helicopter was struck by enemy fire on many occasions and nearly incapacitated, he completely disregarded the danger and remained on station providing critically needed supporting fire and expert assistance to the brigade. His outstanding coordination of artillery, fixed winged aircraft and helicopter gunship strikes, coupled with his tactical observations to the ground commander, contributed significantly to an overwhelming enemy defeat. Despite enemy attempts to deny re-supply efforts to the fire support bases by keeping them under heavy and continuous fire, Major Tolleson repeatedly flew through intensive enemy bombardments to re-supply the bases. On one occasion when an accompanying re-supply helicopter was shot down, Major Tolleson directed his aircraft to land and pick up the survivors although the intensity of the enemy fire was overwhelming at the time. His prompt action, at great personal risk, resulted in the rescue of six personnel. By his daring actions and devotion to duty, Major Tolleson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.