The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major Harry Christian Spies, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the air operations, fighter tactics, and aviation systems analyst for the Technical Support Group in the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Naval Warfare) from June 1987 to August 1990. Through exceptional knowledge, initiative, and dedication evidenced by long working days and ready response to crisis needs, Major Spies has made a significant contribution to U.S. naval warfighting capabilities. He is widely acknowledged as the OPNAV authority on both U.S. and Soviet fighter aircraft, air-to-air missiles, airborne self-protection equipment, and airborne warning and control system technologies. Major Spies’ contributions to awareness of Soviet capabilities and doctrine, to identification of needed improvements in U.S. capabilities, to enhancing communications on warfighting issues within the Navy, and to strengthening joint efforts at the working level have been of lasting and inestimable value. Major Spies’ superior professional expertise, extraordinary initiative, and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Harry Christian Spies, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Wing Commander and Operations Officer, Third Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Forces Pacific, Marine Corps Air Station, San Diego, California, from May 2000 to March 2001. Throughout this period Colonel Spies set the tone for warfighting in the 21st Century. His vision, dogged pursuit of excellence and operational prowess were the benchmark against which others were judged. His stewardship of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing through a period that included a Commanding General change of command and significant increase and change in operational doctrine was more than noteworthy. Colonel Spies was the driving force behind the seamless leadership transition and in the development and implementation of innovative new warfighting concepts that markedly improved the readiness, morale, and efficiency of the Wing. He resolutely and expertly overcame all logistical and communication obstacles associated with a geographically separated and fragmented Wing Staff. Colonel Spies’ desire to explore new concepts invigorated the Wing battle staff and led them to achieve previously unrealized levels of performance. Superior performance of duties as typified above highlighted the culmination of more than 26 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. Colonel Spies’ tireless efforts to carry out his duties with unfailing good judgment, effectiveness, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

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 Harry Christian Spies, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer, Marine Air Control Group 38, Third Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Forces Pacific, San Diego, California, from December 1998 to June 2000. During this period, Colonel Spies brought a wealth of managerial expertise and leadership to the command and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of its mission. He demonstrated a thorough understanding of detailed systems and technology which were vital in the development and implementation of Marine Air Command and Control Systems and Communications. Colonel Spies tenacious determination and extraordinary leadership enabled the Group to support over 80 operational exercises. He continuously exhibited his concept of command, control, and communications amidst the highest operational tempo the Group had seen. Colonel Spies expertly served as liaison for various joint exercises and tests to include combined operations in Southwest Asia. Colonel Spies’ exceptional ability, initiative, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.