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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 9977 (November 16, 1967)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”.)
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Harrison (DD-573)Action Date:
July 1 – August 15, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star with Combat “V” to Commander Walter Vincent Combs, Jr. (NSN: 0-77017), United States Navy, for heroic service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HARRISON (DD-573), attached to Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-FIVE, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands from 1 July to 15 August 1945. Participating in numerous carrier strikes against Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan, and in high-speed anti-shipping sweeps along the shores of Honshu, Commander Combs contributed materially to the success of our forces. Continuing to render valuable service during this period of intensive activity, he directed his vessel in a daring penetration thirty miles into enemy-held Suruga Wan, Honshu, to attack hostile shipping, railway and manufacturing objectives. His courage, seamanship and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Combs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Harrison (DD-573)Action Date:
April 6, 1945
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0459 (April 26, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Walter Vincent Combs, Jr. (NSN: 0-77017), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HARRISON (DD-573), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa Shima, on 6 April 1945. Attacked by two enemy suicide planes, Commander Combs directed a skillful defense and succeeded in shooting down both planes despite damage to one of his guns. By his courage and leadership, he contributed materially to the successful operation of the HARRISON and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Walter Vincent Combs, Jr. (NSN: 0-77017), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Service Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, from February 1968 to August 1970. As Principal Logistic Agent for Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Type Commander of an integrated operational logistic force of great size and complexity, Rear Admiral Combs, through extraordinary management of resources, astute planning, and the highest personal dedication, ensured the timely and complete responsive provision of logistic support for naval forces throughout the Pacific area, for Free World military forces in the I Corps Tactical Zone in the Republic of Vietnam, and for other naval forces in that country. With budgetary restraints imposing increased austerity, Rear Admiral Combs initiated improved management procedures and participated in base restructuring actions contributing toward greater efficiency in the utilization of support resources available to the Pacific Fleet. By his vigorous personal attention, he increased Force readiness and provided vital developmental assistance in the high priority program of Vietnamization. An exemplary and dedicated leader, ever mindful of individual needs, Rear Admiral Combs took every opportunity to visit his far-flung subordinate commands to assure himself of their effectiveness and to improve communications and understanding throughout the Force. By his superb professional competence and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Combs rendered invaluable and distinguished service, reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.