The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walter Frederick Schlech, Jr. (NSN: 77150), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from May 1966 to July 1968 as Chief, Navy Section, Joint United States Military Mission for Aid to Turkey. An extremely dedicated, capable, and versatile naval officer, Rear Admiral Schlech was responsible for the proper implementation and management of the Navy portion of the United States Military Assistance Program in Turkey. He fully utilized his dynamic personal leadership, outstanding managerial abilities, and broad grasp of diplomatic protocol in handling the myriad of problems attendant to dealings with a foreign government, obtaining the first cost share in-country ship construction agreement with the Turkish Navy. Throughout his tour of duty with the Military Mission, Rear Admiral Schlech exhibited a thorough appreciation of the need for advanced training and education in the Turkish Navy, and instituted effective procedures to ensure such education and training would be made available. Thus, by his every action, he helped the Turkish Navy to a greater self-sufficiency and combat readiness, thereby ensuring that the best possible naval force is available to NATO’s Southeast flank. Rear Admiral Schlech’s distinguished performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Tilefish (SS-307)Action Date:
January – March 1945
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 4680(88) (May 28, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Walter Frederick Schlech, Jr. (NSN: 77150), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS-307), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from January to March 1945. During this aggressive patrol conducted near the Japanese homeland and in the vicinity of patrolling hostile aircraft and anti-submarine vessels, Commander Schlech torpedoed and sank a Childori Patrol Boat, rescued a friendly aviator, captured one prisoner and sank two small craft by gunfire. By his skillful evasive tactics, he escaped enemy countermeasures and brought his ship safe to port. Commander Schlech’s leadership and courageous devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Halibut (SS-232)Action Date:
World War II
Board Awards: Serial 36 (July 8, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Walter Frederick Schlech, Jr. (NSN: 77150), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. HALIBUT (SS-232), during three extensive Submarine War Patrols in enemy-controlled waters during World War II. Skillfully carrying out his duties in the face of desperate and persistent anti-submarine measures on the part of the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Schlech, by his excellent judgment and cool courage under fire, contributed materially to the destruction by his ship of an important amount of Japanese shipping. His conscientious devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.