The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Raymond Francis DuBois (NSN: 0-81139), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from June to December 1965, as Commander SEVENTH Fleet Cruiser-Destroyer Group. During this period, Rear Admiral Dubois was responsible for the development and organization of various concepts and doctrines for the employment of naval gunfire in support of operations in Vietnam and for special coordinated operations involving surface strike groups and carrier air groups operating in the South China Sea. Exercising outstanding professional competence, he prepared operations plans and instructions for improved surface-sub-surface surveillance and surface-to-air missile defense, and a plan of operations for the coordination of U.S. Forces special operations in the Gulf of Tonkin. Additionally, he personally commanded units which demonstrated the highest degree of training readiness and skill in the support of air strike operations in North Vietnam and in the naval gunfire support of U.S. and friendly forces in South Vietnam. Rear Admiral Dubois was largely responsible for the rapid implementation of special and unique search and rescue operations near enemy territory, resulting in the rescue of downed U.S. aviators who would otherwise have been inaccessible to any other friendly rescue forces. His leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



