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 Colonel R. M. Rhotenberry, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period from September 1970 to June 1971, while serving as Senior Advisor to the 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, and Commanding Officer, 5th Division Combat Assistance Team, Advisory Team 10, Third Regional Assistance Command, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Colonel Rhotenberry, as a result of his extensive experience as a commander and an advisor, was responsible for the success of the Vietnamization program in the 5th Division area of operations. Devoting long hours to study and analyzing the political as well as the military situation, he was able to make valuable suggestions to his counterpart for improving the effectiveness of the division. Some of the more noteworthy accomplishments for which he was responsible are: the efficient turn over of two United States brigade-size fire support bases to the Vietnamese, successful combat operations in Cambodia and Vietnam, upgrading of both Vietnamese and United States living areas, establishing non-divisional territorial artillery forces, streamlining and reorganizing the advisory team. Colonel Rhotenberry’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.