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 with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Walter Vincent Combs, Jr. (NSN: 0-77017), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from June to November 1967, as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla THREE and Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group SEVENTH Fleet. Exercising outstanding professional ability and forceful leadership, Rear Admiral Combs was responsible for the training, readiness, and utilization of all cruiser/destroyer type units of the SEVENTH Fleet. During this period, these vital forces were heavily committed in combat operations in the conflict in Southeast Asia, thereby demanding the utmost readiness and effort by all units. Rear Admiral Combs’ superb direction of operations insured maximum effectiveness of these forces. Additionally, he directed intensive efforts toward the perfection of tactical doctrines, and issued updated and revised plans for this purpose. Rear Admiral Combs’ keen foresight, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Combs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walter Vincent Combs, Jr. (NSN: 0-77017), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from June 1964 to July 1966, as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower). During this period, Rear Admiral Combs played a major role in providing the essential guidance, coordination and monitoring of the many facets of the complicated, rapid manpower buildup associated with the Southeast Asia contingency operations. As Senior Member of the Board to Study Billet Requirements and Grade Distribution in the Subspecialty and Specialty Areas in the Navy, he skillfully guided the efforts of the Board in developing a definitive study of these areas, including numerical and educational requirements, career patters as affected by present or foreseeable technological changes. Subsequently he directed the planning and implementation of the civilian substitution program with its complex civilian/military interrelationships. Through his outstanding professional competence, inspiring leadership, and devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Combs has made a major contribution toward providing manpower resources and personnel planning in support of the Navy’s mission. His distinguished service reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.