The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Warren H. Wiedhahn, Jr. (MCSN: 0-60310), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in various capacities with the NINTH Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 2 August 1968 to 9 August 1969. Throughout this period, Major Wiedhahn performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as the Logistic Officer, he planned and supervised the displacement of the regiment’s primary support element to the Vandegrift Combat Base and displayed exceptional initiative and resourcefulness in coordinating support for widely-dispersed battalions during Operation TROUSDALE and subsequent operations in the northern sector of the I Corps Tactical Zone. Reassigned as Executive Officer of the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines on 9 January 1969, Major Wiedhahn was instrumental in the efficient and expeditious deployment of his unit into combat operations and disregarding his own safety as he coordinated and supervised the activities of forward and rear echelons. During Operation DEWEY CANYON and Operation CAMERON FALLS, he assumed additional duties as Operations Officer and rendered invaluable assistance to the battalion commander in developing schemes of maneuver and coordinating supporting arms fires. On 15 March 1969, Major Wiedhahn assumed temporary control of the battalion and aggressively led his companies through the final phase of Operation DEWEY CANYON. From 15 to 22 July, Major Wiedhahn led his battalion in Operation GEORGIA TAR and again distinguished himself by his tactical skill and composure under fire. His brilliant execution of the most complex tasks earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his initiative, extraordinary professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty, Major Wiedhahn rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. [Major Wiedhahn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 1979 – September 1981
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 Colonel Warren H. Wiedhahn, Jr. (MCSN: 0-60310), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff, Manpower, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia from July 1979 through September 1981. During this period, Colonel Wiedhahn was instrumental in the control and assignment of more than 5,000 military and 1,500 civil service personnel. In addition, he was the driving force behind the improvement and enhancement of the Family Services Center, Career Planning Program, and an effective retirement program. Colonel Wiedhahn excelled in welding the Manpower Department into an effective and cohesive activity which continually matured and grew in prestige and respect. His superb performance in accomplishing broad and diverse tasks in both combat and other assignments was particularly noteworthy. Colonel Wiedhahn’s distinctive achievements, perseverance, 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
9th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
January 23 – March 15, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Warren H. Wiedhahn, Jr. (MCSN: 0-60310), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 23 January 1969 to 15 March 1969. On 23 January 1969, Major Wiedhahn and a company of Marines were helilifted into an area south of Quang Tri City to establish Fire Support Base CUNNINGHAM for the support of Operation DEWEY CANYON. Working tirelessly, he coordinated and supervised the myriad details inherent in the construction of a large installation and, under his dynamic leadership, the support base was operational in less than twenty-four hours, despite hostile mortar, artillery, and small arms fire. Subsequently directed to seize Tam Boi in Northern Quang Tri Province, he skillfully planned and organized a bold attack against this formidable fortress. Displaying superb tactical skill, Major Wiedhahn maneuvered his battalion in an aggressive assault against the tenacious and well-equipped enemy force and, despite the thorough and complex hostile defensive perimeter, enabled his men to storm the garrison and seize the objective. Investigation revealed vast numbers of tunnel complexes sufficient to accommodate a regiment and all supporting elements, including communications, hospital, living quarters, two large artillery pieces and thousands of rounds of mortar and artillery ammunition. After securing the hill, Major Wiedhahn deployed his command group in a night defensive position on adjacent high ground, and, that night, came under a heavy volume of North Vietnamese fire followed by a ground counterattack from three sides. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting all about him, Major Wiedhahn fearlessly maneuvered across the dangerous terrain, coordinating a skillful and successful defense of his position with minimal casualties. The following morning, his men counted nineteen enemy soldiers killed and found evidence of many more wounded. On 15 March, Major Wiedhahn was reassigned as Commanding Officer and was directed to accomplish the withdrawal of Marine forces from Fire Support Base CUNNINGHAM which had become untenable because of intense fire from North Vietnamese emplacements surrounding the position. Throughout the operation, hostile forces raked the area with a continuous barrage of fire in an attempt to disable the extraction helicopters. Ignoring the din and anger of detonating ordnance, Major Wiedhahn calmly coordinated the removal of men and thousands of items of equipment before embarking an extraction helicopter himself. Undaunted when his aircraft was damaged and forced into an emergency landing, he continued directing operation until, he was again extracted. His military acumen and brilliant utilization of all supporting arms fire earned the respect and admiration of all who observed him and resulted in a highly successful maneuver with only minimal casualties. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Major Wiedhahn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.