The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Thomas Bennet Latendresse, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Carrier Training Officer on the Staff of Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVAIRPAC) from January 1992 through September 1993. Captain Latendresse’s superb achievements extended far beyond the scope of his demanding duties. As the senior aviation officer on the Quality Management Board which devised the new Fleet Commander-in-Chief’s Tactical Training Strategy, he played a key role in developing a more flexible and efficient system to conduct tactical training for deploying staffs, ships, and squadrons. In parallel, Captain Latendresse played and equally vital role in designing the Afloat Training Organization, which now provides significantly improved shipboard training with a twenty-five percent reduction in manpower requirements. As a result of Captain Latendresse’s leadership and drive, COMNAVAIRPAC led the way in combining these two new concepts to produce aircraft carrier crews which were better trained and invested with the intrinsic ability to maintain and actually improve battle readiness with minimal external assistance. Captain Latendresse’s inspiring professionalism, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Attack Squadron 55 (VA-55)Division:
U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19Action Date:
May 27, 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Thomas Bennet Latendresse, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a pilot of jet aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron FIFTY-FIVE (VA-55), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19) during combat operations in Southeast Asia. On 27 May 1972, Lieutenant Latendresse was the leader of a section of aircraft on a surface-to-air missile suppression mission as part of a large air-wing strike. During the mission, his aircraft was struck by antiaircraft-artillery fire and he was forced to eject. After parachuting to the ground, Lieutenant Latendresse disregarded the danger to himself in his exposed position and contacted his wingman, directing him to cancel the rescue attempt which was being readied. He continued his transmissions until the last minute to ensure the safety of the rescue force. Lieutenant Latendresse’s extraordinary courage and selfless concern for his fellow pilots reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 27, 1972 – March 28, 1973
Captain Thomas Bennet Latendresse, United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 27, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Thomas Bennet Latendresse, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Tactical Readiness and Special Assistant for Projects while assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) from August 1988 to January 1990. Captain Latendresse distinguished himself as a resourceful coordinator and meticulous planner. His personal efforts established fleet training and Tactical Readiness as one of CNO’s major priorities. Captain Latendresse personally orchestrated and directed the revitalization of the Integrated Tactical Decision Aid resulting in its fleet-wide acceptance and use by all fleet and battle group staffs. He initiated a vital training program for fleet users of Special Access Program capabilities. His expertise and focused efforts produced major study that is the basis for future carrier-based airborne refueling requirements and organic air wing reconnaissance requirements. Captain Latendresse’s unwavering credibility, superior effectiveness, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
February 1990 – December 1991
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 Captain Thomas Bennet Latendresse, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Latendresse and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service as Chief of Staff of the Staff of Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group THREE, from February 1990 to December 1991. An extremely competent and resourceful manager, leader, and operator, Captain Latendresse proved to be the driving force behind the many successes enjoyed by the staff during the last two years. He ensured all aspects of staff and immediate superior in command responsibilities for six cruisers and three operational squadrons were coordinated and carried out in a superb fashion, making the group the premier staff in the Pacific Fleet. Well versed in operations and tactics in naval aviation, as well as surface force employment, he proved indispensable during accelerated work ups and deployment of Battle Group BRAVO composed of a carrier, five surface combatants, a fast combat support ship, and associated carrier air wing and helicopter detachments in support of Operation DESERT STORM post-hostilities national tasking. Captain Latendresse continuously provided sage advice and counsel to both the Commander and the Commanding Officer of the ships and squadrons of the group, maintaining continuity during periods of turnover and change. He consistently demonstrated leadership excellence, impressive performance, and unfailing spirit, distinguishing himself as an impressive naval leader with the highest levels of combat readiness and success. Captain Latendresse’s outstanding leadership, astute judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Attack Squadron 55 (VA-55)Division:
U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19Action Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Thomas Bennet Latendresse, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-4 pilot with Attack Squadron (VA-55), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19), in action over Southeast Asia in 1972. His gallant and untiring devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 27, 1972 – March 28, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Thomas Bennet Latendresse, United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 27 May 1972 to 28 March 1973. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]