Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Donald R. Nugent (MCSN: 0-7593), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief, Civil Information and Education Section, General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, and public Information Officer, Headquarters, United Nations Far East Commands, in Japan, from 24 June 1946 to 6 April 1955. Colonel Nugent’s brilliant guidance of all civil information and education activities incident to the reorientation of post-war Japan inspired the wholehearted support of the Japanese people and encompassed political, economic, social and educational reforms. Entrusted with the social, cultural and educational rehabilitation of North Korean and Chinese Communist prisoners of war during the early critical days of the Korean Conflict, his logical approach engendered their trust and confidence and encouraged acceptance and adoption of democratic principles. The superior accomplishment of this highly sensitive assignment was attested to by the ultimate decision of thousands of internees to repudiate communism by refusing repatriation subsequent to the signing of the Military Armistice Agreement. Designated Public Information Officer upon the phasing-out of Civil Information and education operations at the end of the Occupation, he promoted and sustained a discerning public’s understanding appreciation and support of the command’s vital mission during an extremely tense time of transition from Occupation to Security Force status in Japan and continuing military operations in Korea. Colonel Nugent’s inspiring leadership, selfless devotion to duty and comprehensive grasp of the strategic and political implications involved during his extensive period of service significantly furthered important Occupation objectives and greatly enhanced successful prosecution of the Korean Campaign, reflecting utmost credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    November 23, 1945 – June 23, 1946
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces Pacific, General Orders No. 252 (June 30, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Lieutenant Colonel Donald R. Nugent (MCSN: 0-7593), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Japan, from 23 November 1945 to 23 June 1946. As Chief of the Educational Division of the Civil Information and Education Section, and as Acting Chief and Chief of the Civil Information and Education Section, General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Colonel Nugent displayed outstanding executive ability, initiative, and leadership in providing for the effective implementation of the Supreme Commander’s education policies and the accomplishment of vital objectives incident to the democratization of the Japanese educational system. His comprehensive professional knowledge was in conspicuous evident in the implementation of basic educational directives, and he most capably assisted in planning the work of the American Education Mission to Japan, and in guiding the Japanese Education Ministry in the revision of textbooks and teacher’s manuals and in screening teachers. His outstanding services contributed immeasurably to the removal of militaristic and ultra-nationalistic educational ideology and to the conformation of Japanese standards with democratic ideals and principles. Through his superior professional skill, sound judgment, and unremitting devotion to duty, Colonel Nugent made an invaluable contribution to the accomplishment of the mission of the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers in Japan.