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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel William Oscar Brice (MCSN: 0-3757), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as the Commanding Officer of the Fighter Command, attached to the Commander Aircraft, Solomon Islands, during the period from 20 November 1943 to 15 March 1944. In this capacity, Colonel Brice commanded all Army, Navy, Marine, and Royal New Zealand land based day and night fighter type aircraft engaged in actual combat operations in the Solomon Islands. In addition, he exercised operational control over all air warning units and fighter direction detachments in the combat area. By his careful study of Japanese fighter tactics and his thorough knowledge of the capabilities of his own various types of assigned fighters, he was always able, either on offensive or defensive missions, to secure the maximum of effectiveness against the enemy which resulted in the early attainment of air superiority over Rabaul. Air warning units and fighter director detachments under his operational control promptly discovered and foiled enemy attempts to do serious damage at any time to bases in the combat area. His natural leadership, keen tactical knowledge, tenacious spirit and devotion to duty greatly contributed to the success of the campaign. His actions have consistently been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Brice is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Bomber Command, Guadalcanal

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1942 – April 1, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel William Oscar Brice (MCSN: 0-3757), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 19 December 1942 to 1 April 1943, as Commanding Officer of the Bomber Command at Guadalcanal. This command included all bombing and torpedo squadrons of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. In additional, Colonel Brice was Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group FOURTEEN which operated extensive aircraft repair facilities and was the only aviation supply agency for Guadalcanal. During the period 19 December 1942 to 1 April 1943, the aircraft under his command have been engaged daily in missions against the enemy. In the performance of these missions, known losses to enemy shipping were 36 vessels sunk or damaged. Enemy aircraft known shot down number 32 Zeroes; 18 other types were destroyed on the ground and 14 in the air. In addition, repeated bombing strikes against enemy installations at Munka, Rekata Bay, Faisi, Vila, Ballale, and Kahili have resulted in the destruction of much enemy equipment and in the disruption of enemy planning. Munda Airport has been reduced to relative ineffectiveness and his barely tenable. The effectiveness of the Bomber Command has been attained through Colonel Brice’s outstanding leadership, his tactical knowledge and forcefulness. He has frequently braved the dangers of enemy bombing attacks to insure the security of his Command with utter disregard for his personal safety. Colonel Brice, through his tireless devotion to duty; his calm, cool courageous conduct under trying conditions; and his superior command ability, has been largely responsible for the success attained by the Bomber Command and has contributed materially to the decisive blows against the enemy in the Solomon Islands.