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 Marshall Raymond Greer (NSN: 0-34763), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Central Pacific Theater of War and against the Japanese Empire from 4 May 1945, until the cessation of hostilities. Exercising keen foresight and sound judgment, Rear Admiral Greer maintained the units under his command at the peak of combat efficiency to carry out a program of long-range search and reconnaissance missions in hostile waters, strikes against the Japanese home island, photographic and weather reconnaissance missions, and the air-sea rescue of hundreds of air and surface craft survivors. Displaying a broad knowledge of enemy tactics, and applying exceptional strategic ability and leadership in administering his command, he was in large measure responsible for the destruction of countless enemy air and surface craft and shore-based fortifications which were a constant threat to American and allied air, sea and land operations. His conscientious efforts and inspiring devotion to duty throughout were essential factors in the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire and reflect the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Greer and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Marshall Raymond Greer (NSN: 0-34763), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of an escort carrier task group operating in the Atlantic from May to October 1943. Captain Greer carried out his duties so successfully that no vessels were lost in the convoys escorted by his task group.