The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Melvin L. Garten (ASN: 0-1320721), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period November 1965 to April 1966, while serving as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Assuming command of the battalion shortly after it’s arrival at the Brigade Phan Rang base camp, Lieutenant Colonel Garten immediately organized a comprehensive maintenance, training, and construction program which permitted the full employment of all resources and the accomplishment of all tasks within a minimum length of time. He established in-processing procedures for replacements and insured that each replacement reported to his company well-trained, properly indoctrinated, and properly equipped. Being keenly aware that winning the struggle in Vietnam involved more than winning military engagements, Lieutenant Colonel Garten took active steps to institute a civic action program whose projects included security for local farmers, repair of roads and bridges, construction efforts for refugee families, medical assistance, and assistance to locate irrigation projects. Lieutenant Colonel Garten demonstrated uncommon professional ability by organizing a battalion provisional reconnaissance unit built around the Table of Organization, Reconnaissance Platoon. Moving in five man teams for indefinite periods of time, his battalion provided valuable intelligence information significant to the entire brigade. He organized provisional immediate reaction and command post security forces from existing resources. This action enabled the rifle companies to remain free and unrestricted in their role as a maneuver force. Under his direction Lieutenant Colonel Garten’s intense competitive spirit instilled a determination to excel within the battalion and spurred the troops to greater achievement. Because of his initiative and resourcefulness, his adaptability to change, and his readiness to resort to expedient, he contributed immeasurably to the overall counterinsurgency efforts in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Garten’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Melvin L. Garten (ASN: 0-1320721), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, 12th Support Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from May 1967 to July 1968. Throughout this period, Colonel Garten demonstrated outstanding managerial ability and professional skill in molding his subordinates into an effective and cohesive unit. He displayed a genuine concern for the personal welfare of the soldier and directed a concerted effort toward enhancing morale. Significant among his accomplishments was the publication of a weekly Brigade newspaper to create unity and esprit de corps within fifty-five separate units as well as the establishment of an annex to the Officer’s Club and subsequent renovation of facilities. Alarmed by the number of accidents on Post and in the civilian community, Colonel Garten placed particular emphasis on safety and initiated a Safety Poster Campaign. His diligence inspired those with whom he was associated and his decisive determination contributed to the successful completion of each task. Colonel Garten’s distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.