The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Richard Francis Whitehead (NSN: 0-13464), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a United States Warship operating with a Fast Carrier Task Group in Western Pacific waters from 16 July 1945 to the close of hostilities against the Japanese Empire on 15 August 1945. During the period he participated in strikes against the Japanese on Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, and Hokkaido. Throughout this period of sustained offensive activity he distinguished himself by outstanding devotion in the performance of his duties. Through unremitting effort and steadfast determination he brought his ship to an unusually high standard of combat readiness and fighting efficiency. In action his leadership was inspiring and his conduct was exemplary. His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Whitehead is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

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 with Combat “V” to Captain Richard Francis Whitehead (NSN: 0-13464), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Support Aircraft, SEVENTH Fleet during the Leyte Island landings and during the Battles of Surigao Strait and Samar Island serving from 4 October to 6 November 1944. Captain Whitehead very ably drafted plans for the coordination of all operations supporting the greatest amphibious operations thus far undertaken in the Southwest Pacific Areas. Aircraft under his command were invaluable in the direct support or our Army. His foresight and leadership were a major factor in the damage inflicted on the Japanese Fleet by carrier-based aircraft. He coordinated the operation of aircraft under his control so effectively that they were a major factor in the protection of our forces ashore and in the destruction of a major portion of the enemy fleet. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Whitehead is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

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 Captain Richard Francis Whitehead (NSN: 0-13464), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Support Aircraft engaged in operations for the capture of the Southern Mariana Islands during the period 14 June 1944 to 15 July 1944. By his initiative, perseverance, and outstanding ability, he caused the utilization of aircraft in support of this amphibious operation to be executed in a highly effective manner. He directed air support missions and exercised close control of air operations against the enemy with great skill and leadership, contributing materially to the success of the operation. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Whitehead is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Richard Francis Whitehead (NSN: 0-13464), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Support Air Commander during the assault and capture of enemy-held Roi and Namur Islands, Kwajalein Atoll, and later Eniwetok Atoll of the Marshall Islands. By his leadership and personal efficiency as the coordinator of highly effective air strikes against the enemy islands and by the manner in which he continually met demands for urgent air support, he contributed in a large measure to the successful capture of Roi and Namur Islands and Eniwetok Atoll. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Whitehead is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)