The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Don Wesley Wulzen (NSN: 0-74972), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PORTERFIELD (DD-782), in action against enemy forces in the Japanese home waters, from 10 February to 4 March 1945. Participating in carrier strikes in the Tokyo, Okinawa and Iwo Jima areas during this period, Commander Wulzen engaged an enemy picket boat attempting to penetrate the escort screen of his Task Group on 26 February. Skillfully maneuvering his ship in the darkness to avoid endangering friendly units, he persisted in the attack despite heavy weather which seriously hampered the use of effective gunfire, pursuing the enemy craft with his ship damaged from hostile gunfire and communications temporarily lost until the Japanese vessel was probably sunk. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 707 (June 23, 1969)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 Don Wesley Wulzen (NSN: 0-74972), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from February 1967 through June 1969 while assigned as Deputy Director, Directorate for Inspection Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Administration). Acting as Team Chief during the conduct of inspections of six Unified and Specified Commands and Defense agencies, Rear Admiral Wulzen played a major role in the refinement of the methodology, techniques, and operational procedures for these inspections, and made valuable contributions toward the development of new techniques of analyzing and evaluating management effectiveness. His expertise and managerial ability in coordinating the many requirements involved in successful inspection completion and in report preparation and staffing resulted in a well-documented report in each of the six inspections. Through his exemplary leadership, sound judgment, and diligence in this important assignment, Rear Admiral Wulzen rendered invaluable assistance in evaluating the effectiveness and performance of the major commands and agencies which were inspected, thus enabling the commanders and directors of these organizations, as well as the Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff, to determine means of enhancing mission accomplishment. Rear Admiral Wulzen’s superior performance and dedication reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Porterfield (DD-682)Action Date:
March 25 – April 22, 1945
Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 20456 (November 10, 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 Don Wesley Wulzen (NSN: 0-74972), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PORTERFIELD (DD-682), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 25 March to 22 April 1945. Skillfully directing his ship during this period of almost continuous combat, Commander Wulzen was in large measure responsible for the success of his ship in destroying at least six enemy planes and in assisting in the destruction of others. Under his outstanding leadership, the PORTERFIELD furnished valuable protection to other Fleet units and the forces ashore. His courage, professional ability and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Don Wesley Wulzen (NSN: 0-74972), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.