The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major General Ross Erastus Rowell (MCSN: 0-850), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Marine Aircraft Wings, Pacific during the period from August 1942 to September 1944. With outstanding ability and administrative skill in a position of great responsibility, he directed the operations of Marine Aircraft of the Central Pacific in offensive operations against the enemy. During this period his efforts were directly responsible for the continued improvement in training and the obtaining of a high degree of combat efficiency of all Marine Air units under his command. This is attested by the outstanding successes of these forces in resulting actions. He effected all preparation for the logistic support of these forces with keen foresight and complete understanding of the essentials involved. His loyalty and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorAction Date:
February 1927 – August 1928
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major Ross Erastus Rowell (MCSN: 0-850), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, in command of the Aircraft Squadrons attached to the Naval Forces on shore in Nicaragua from February 1927 to August 1928. Largely through his untiring energy, efficient administration, superior leadership and great personal heroism under conditions heretofore unparalleled in the history of aviation, the success of our forces operating in Nicaragua during a period of political unrest was greatly enhanced.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorAction Date:
July 16, 1927
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Ross Erastus Rowell (MCSN: 0-850), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness, and excellent judgment, when on 16 July 19027, during an insurrection in Nicaragua, having been notified by his patrol that the garrison at Ocotal, one hundred miles away, was in danger, he at once took the air and leading a flight of five planes in the face of a tropical storm conducted the attack with the highest tactical skill, destroying a greater part of the enemy, thereby saving the little garrison from almost certain destruction.