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.

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.

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.