The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from April 1994 to May 1996, as the Chief of Naval Operations. During this period of dramatic geopolitical changes and significant reduction of resources for national defense, Admiral Boorda pursued numerous initiatives that substantially improved the ability of America’s military forces to conduct joint and combined operations. With his exceptional ability to analyze complex technical matters, he provided the impetus for strategic vision for future technology and acquisition required to properly shape the United States Armed Forces for the environment of the 21st Century. Admiral Boorda was a forceful proponent of planning, doctrine and training and continued to increase the role of the Navy in joint operations and exercises throughout the world. Throughout his tenure as the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Boorda consistently displayed extraordinary dedication, commitment and professionalism. Those qualities and his many achievements reflect great credit on him and the United States Navy.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security and the defense of the United States. As Chief of Naval Operations from April 1994 to May 1996. Admiral Boorda’s dynamic leadership and vision were the driving force in shepherding the Navy through a challenging and volatile time. In the face of force reductions, he worked to shape a smaller, more versatile Navy that is now ready to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Navy’s principal operational authority, he steered the Navy through a variety of extraordinarily successful missions, including Operations UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, PROVIDE PROMISE, and JOINT ENDEAVOR. His deft management of the Navy’s budgets and programs provided a solid foundation for the construction of the next generation of ships, submarines and naval aircraft. With an unswerving commitment to the welfare of the Service member, he worked tirelessly to expand professional opportunities for sailors of every race, rank and gender. These efforts resulted in a Navy that is more highly educated and technically proficient now than at any time in our Nation’s history. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Boorda in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) from May 1994 to May 1996. During this period, Admiral Boorda provided invaluable service to the American public through his exemplary leadership, wisdom and deep sense of commitment to the men and women of the Armed Forces. Known for his dedicated hard work, boundless enthusiasm, and genuine concern for people, Admiral Boorda made critical and far-reaching contributions to the strength of our nation’s overall security. The United States Coast Guard is particularly grateful to Admiral Boorda for his outstanding leadership in recognizing the unique value of the Coast Guard as evidenced by major joint operations such as the rescue of some 56,000 Cuban and Haitian refugees during the mass exodus in the summer of 1994; the ongoing drug interdiction efforts in the Caribbean and on both coasts; the deployment of the Coast Guard Cutters DALLAS and GALLATIN to the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea respectively; the escort of the Cuban-American flotilla commemorating the Cuban shoot down of two United States private planes from the Brothers to the Rescue organization; and for spearheading the effort to formalize these types of operations in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation. Admiral Boorda has truly been “SEMPER PARATUS – – ALWAYS READY” both in war and in peace. Admiral Boorda’s leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
November 1983 – December 1984
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 Captain Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel and Training)/Chief of Naval Personnel from November 1983 to December 1984. During his tenure, Captain Boorda played a principal role in the conception, formulation, and implementation of actions and policies of far reaching impact to the Navy. Thoroughly grounded in the entire spectrum of naval operations and related manpower requirements, exceptionally astute on the Washington scene, and a recognized expert on all personnel policies, Captain Boorda personally orchestrated a number of key compensation and manpower personnel and training (MPT) legislative initiatives and expertly guided this legislation through Congress. He was the catalyst in significant improvements in Navy’s fitness report system, long-range MPT planning, Navy’s minority accession program, flag selection policy, career acquisition management, and a host of other vital MPT issues. Captain Boorda’s superb performance, unrelenting standard of excellence, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
August 1986 – July 1988
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 Rear Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group EIGHT, from August 1986 to July 1988. Rear Admiral Boorda displayed extraordinary professional competence and resourcefulness in the direction of assigned forces during underway operations in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean theaters, and in the administrative command of 45 ships and five destroyer squadron staffs, producing a success rate of 90 percent on all major inspections. His organizational prowess, tactical expertise, and skillful administrative oversight were key factors responsible for a flawless record setting (3,450 NM) strike against an opposing carrier battle group, the successful non-stop delivery of a captured terrorist from the Mediterranean to the United States, impressive simulated war-at-sea strikes, and a superb list of multinational exercises. Battle Force readiness was clearly demonstrated during MED 3-87 when Commander, SIXTH Fleet stated that “no group has done it better than Group EIGHT in recent history and it will take a lot to top their performance.” By his manifest achievements, sound judgment, and inspirational devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Boorda reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States Chief of Naval Operations from 23 April 1994 to 16 May 1996. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Boorda reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Operations from April 1994 to May 1996. In a period of dramatic and challenging changes, Admiral Boorda’s vision and leadership served to keep the Navy on a steady course. With his unswerving commitment to the welfare of Navy people, Admiral Boorda personally directed innovations in personnel programs designed to expand professional opportunities for enlisted Sailors, and to shape a smaller, more technically capable force. Under his direction, Navy leaders have planned and flawlessly executed an extraordinary number of joint operations which have markedly enhanced security and stability around the globe. His relentless pursuit of improvement and courageous willingness to make changes were the key factors in making today’s Navy the most powerful maritime force in our history and will serve as his legacy to the Navy and our Nation. Admiral Boorda’s distinguished accomplishments, inspirational leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
AdmiralAction Date:
April 23, 1994 – May 16, 1996
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Admiral Boorda distinguished himself as Chief of Naval Operations, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 23 April 1994 to 16 May 1996. In this important assignment, the dynamic leadership and dedicated efforts of Admiral Boorda were significantly displayed as he expertly guided a wide variety of naval forces in support of several critical contingency operations throughout the world. His unparalleled vision, coupled with a deep devotion to his mission and country, resulted in the significant improvement of national security, force readiness and inter-service cooperation. Indeed, his many vital contributions to the United States Navy, its sister services, and the Department of Defense as a whole, added immeasurably to our Nation’s defense and to the preservation of freedom throughout the world. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Boorda in the dedication of his service to his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
August 1981 – September 1983
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-TWO, from August 1981 to September 1983. An extremely skilled tactician and operational commander. Captain Boorda was directly responsible for the flawless planning and execution of widely varied at-sea operations in theaters ranging from the North Atlantic, West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. He served as every major warfare commander within single and multi-carrier battle groups, frequently fulfilling responsibilities as a dual warfare commander. Captain Boorda’s demonstration of operational professionalism was not limited to traditional surface warfare skills. His handling of PLO evacuation operations, a politically sensitive and potentially volatile international situation, was a hallmark of his geopolitical acumen. His review for the highest levels of command of the military situation and advisor support requirements in the Central American Theater was of inestimable value. Further, Captain Boorda’s leadership in innovative tactical training conducted aboard ships in port or at shore-based trainers was instrumental in enhancing awareness of tactics and doctrine and increasing shipboard operational readiness in an era of scarce fuel resources. By his outstanding leadership, keen judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Boorda reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
July 1988 – October 1991
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Personnel, Washington, D. C., from July 1988 to October 1991. Through his peerless leadership abilities, unrelenting initiative, and exemplary professionalism, Vice Admiral Boorda made historical contributions to the readiness of the Navy and to the quality of life for all Navy personnel. He was the catalyst for massive strides in improvement of the Navy’s manpower readiness for this decade. Vice Admiral Boorda’s expert guidance of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM integration and utilization of Naval Reservists was singularly exceptional. Under his astute management of the Congressionally mandated downsizing of the Navy, there was not nor will there be an impact on personal quality and readiness. Throughout his tenure. Vice Admiral Boorda decisively forged a clear path ahead for Naval manpower and personnel goals while maintaining the highest state of readiness the Navy has seen. He proved to be a champion of personnel without equal. Vice Admiral Boorda’s exceptional leadership, flawless performance and selfless dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
November 1979 – January 1981
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Jeremy Michael Boorda, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Principal Assistant (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower, Reserve Affairs and Logistics) from November 1979 to January 1981. Captain Boorda displayed dynamic leadership, sound judgment, and zeal in successfully executing the demanding responsibilities of his position. He provided valuable counsel and assistance to the Assistant Secretary, the Under Secretary, and the Secretary of the Navy. His strong implementation guidance of the Civil Service Reform Act within the Department of the Navy made it a model within the government. Captain Boorda made a vital contribution to improved fleet readiness by his major role in obtaining the enactment of Sea Pay and Submarine Pay. His diligent efforts with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget were instrumental in getting the Navy sponsored bill before the Congress. In addition to enhancing the readiness of the fleet. Captain Boorda succeeded in opening and continuing communications between the Department of the Navy and the Congress. This effort brought renewed respect by Congress for the Navy and its ability to solve problems of severe shortages of skilled manpower. His efforts in defending the manpower budget through the legislative process helped to enable the Navy and Marine Corps to continue improvement of their manpower posture. Captain Boorda’s distinctive accomplishments, tenacity, and unswerving devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.