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 Rear Admiral Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Carrier Division ONE from February to May 1967, and as Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force, SEVENTH Fleet and Commander Carrier Division FIVE from May to September 1967. During this period, Rear Admiral Mehle was responsible for the prosecution of a naval campaign against North Vietnam involving the coordination of approximately sixty-five combatant ships, over five hundred aircraft, and many thousands of naval personnel. He displayed astute leadership abilities in the management of a program which included thousands of Navy combat sorties designed to weaken the defense of the enemy and further the cause of the United States mission in Vietnam. Rear Admiral Mehle maintained close expert liaison with the SEVENTH Air Force in order to smoothly coordinate joint strikes on enemy industrial, transportation and military complexes. His direct supervision of the implementation of the U.S. program in connection with air strikes against North Vietnam, and his imaginative planning of the employment of new weapons and the development of new tactics for their delivery, were extremely successful in choking off vital supply and reinforcement lines in crucial areas of the combat zone. Taking an active interest in public relations and personal diplomacy, he greatly improved national and world understanding of the mission of the United States in Southeast Asia. By his sound judgment, professional ability, and tireless devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Mehle contributed materially to the success of combat operations in Southeast Asia and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Batallion:
Fighting Squadron 28 (VF-28)Action Date:
May 15 – December 26, 1944
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0638 (December 28, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Commander Air Group TWENTY-EIGHT and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT (VF-28), during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Wake, Formosa and in the Marianas, Nampo Shoto, the First and Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, Nansei Shoto the Carolines, and the Philippine Islands, from 15 May to 26 December 1944. During this period of intense aerial activity, Commander Mehle boldly led his airmen in numerous brilliantly executed strikes against the enemy, personally shooting down four enemy aircraft and probably two others, destroying twenty-seven grounded planes and damaging and destroying vital Japanese installations and shipping. By his aggressive and forceful leadership and exceptional tactical ability, he contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of his Air Group inflicting extensive and costly damage on the enemy, and his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave danger reflect the highest credit upon Commander Mehle and the United States Naval Service.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
January 1965 – December 1966
Board Serial 9578 (January 3, 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from January 1965 through December 1966, as Director, Strike Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. During a period when the resources of the Navy have been severely taxed by the conflict in Southeast Asia, Rear Admiral Mehle has been responsible for increasing the capability, flexibility, and readiness of the Navy’s operating forces. Through his extraordinary skill at organizing written and oral efforts as well as his superb capability as a negotiator, he has been instrumental in the success of such varied programs as the Point Defense Missile System, the air cushion vehicle, the Mekong Delta Afloat Force, and nuclear power for surface ships. Rear Admiral Mehle’s skillful administration of the numerous and varied programs under his cognizance has contributed materially to the effectiveness of Navy forces in Southeast Asia while adequate readiness in naval forces deployed in other areas of the world has been maintained. By his outstanding leadership, professional competence, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Mehle upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Legion of Merit
Board Serial 928 (July 19, 1970)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 Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Naval Safety Center from July 1968 through June 1970. Rear Admiral Mehle has been responsible for and has directly supervised the establishment and organization of the Naval Safety Center which is the centroid of the entire Department of the Navy Safety Program. Through inspirational leadership and enthusiastic dedication, Rear Admiral Mehle skillfully directed the prosecution of the spectrum of functions assigned to the Navy Safety Center and spearheaded a myriad of new programs, concepts and innovations to foster safety awareness throughout the Navy. This effort has resulted in a significant reduction of accidents and injuries. Rear Admiral Mehle’s perseverance and guidance were of immeasurable value to the Chief of Naval Operations in instituting and organizing numerous accident and injury reporting and data collection systems by which the effectiveness of the naval establishment’s safety program can be measured. Additionally, his personal liaison and coordination with Department of Defense officials, government agencies, and the civilian community have greatly enhanced the stature of the Navy Safety Center and the Navy Safety Program. By his superior leadership, sound judgment, enthusiasm, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Mehle made a significant contribution to the Naval Safety Program, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Fighting SquadronAction Date:
February 1, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Roger William Mehle (NSN: 0-78670), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Section Leader of a combat patrol of a Fighting Squadron on 1 February 1942. Upon intercepting an enemy twin float, single-engine seaplane, he immediately pressed home a determined offensive attack which result in the destruction of that plane. Later the same day, he, in company with two other pilots of his squadron, intercepted and attacked two twin-engined bombers, and he assisted in the destruction of one and the damaging of the other.