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 Colonel Joseph J. Louder (MCSN: 1093178), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, First Marine Corps District, Garden City, New York, from September 1978 through June 1981. During his tenure, Colonel Louder demonstrated positive, effective, and sustained leadership in meeting and exceeding the mission requirements of personnel procurement for the Marine Corps with particular emphasis on the quality of recruit enlisted. He displayed a concerned interest in those matters related to the quality of life of the Marines, sailors, and civilians under his command and sought constantly to ensure that they received prompt, courteous, and equitable treatment in all matters. Under Colonel Louder’s guidance, the First Marine Corps District progressed from a slump in mission achievement in Fiscal Year 1979 to exemplary performances in Fiscal Years 1980 and 19081. Additionally, his sensitivity to good public relations enhanced the Marine Corps image in the northeastern United States throughout this period. Colonel Louder’s outstanding performance, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Soldier’s Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
October 26, 1969 – September 22, 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Louder (MCSN: 1093178), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service with the FIRST Marine Division in Republic of Vietnam, from 26 October 1969, to 22 September 1970. As executive officer of the FIRST Tank Battalion, and later reassigned as battalion commander on 13 November 1969, Colonel, then a Major, Louder provided superb fire support to assigned units and repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he boldly moved to forward positions to maneuver his tank sections against hostile forces. He also established an effective supply system and developed a maintenance program which ensured the availability of vehicles to meet operational requirements. Serving additionally as commander of the Southern Sector Defense Command, he planned and supervised the execution of more than 50 patrols and ambushes daily in defense of the DaNang vital area and established a protective barrier which greatly enhanced the security of major installations. Reassigned as assistant operations officer, G-3 Section, FIRST Marine Division, he ably supervised the myriad activities of the operations center and implemented operating procedures to thwart persistent attempts by the enemy to infiltrate friendly areas. On 4 June Colonel Louder assumed command of the FIRST Motor Transport Battalion. Under his dynamic leadership, the battalion transported passengers, delivered tons of cargo and logged miles with maximum safety. Constantly concerned for the well-being of his men, Colonel Louder increased base security activities and initiated many improvements in living and working facilities. Furthermore, he directed a vigorous civic action program and was instrumental in sending eight Vietnamese children to the United States for lifesaving open heart surgery. His resolute determination and seemingly unlimited resourcefulness earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his leadership, professional acumen, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Louder rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
August 17, 1952
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 666 (August 4, 1953)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Louder (MCSN: 1093178), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 17 August 1952. When a friendly patrol en route to a forward combat outpost suffered a surprise attack by a well-entrenched and cleverly concealed enemy force, Staff Sergeant Louder skillfully maneuvered a relief unit of ten Marines through intense hostile mortar and artillery fire to the vicinity of the casualties. With his own unit pinned down by a withering hail of small-arms fire, he expertly deployed his men to positions where fire superiority could be established and, in company with one other man, attempted to assault the hostile position. When his comrade sustained painful wounds and was forced to withdraw, Staff Sergeant Louder continued the assault alone, worked his way up the hill and into the hostile trenches and, firing his weapon with deadly accuracy, succeeded in forcing the enemy back and in silencing all hostile small-arms fire, thereby enabling the remainder of his unit to move forward and successfully evacuate the casualties. By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of intense enemy opposition, Staff Sergeant Louder served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
1st Tank BattalionDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
February 10, 1970
Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4732 (November 8, 1971)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Major Joseph J. Louder (MCSN: 1093178), United States Marine Corps, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Major Louder distinguished himself by heroic action on 10 February 1970 while serving as Commanding Officer, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, I Corps and Military Region 1, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On this date, Major Louder received a report that a helicopter crashed in Hoa Vang, just north of his location. He immediately proceeded to the scene of the crash. On arrival, Major Louder found the downed aircraft totally demolished, and burning with the passengers and crew trapped inside. Without hesitation or thoughts of his personal safety, he began evacuating the passengers and crew from the aircraft. Only when the fire grew in intensity and stared ammunition began exploding did Major Louder withdraw. Upon arrival of fire fighting equipment, he directed its employment so as to continue efforts to evacuate both personnel and equipment. Major Louder’s heroic actins were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.