The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Robert Everton Cushman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5062), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force; Senior Advisor, I Corps Tactical Zone; and I Corps Coordinator for United States/Free World Military Assistance Forces, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1 January 1968 to 26 March 1969. Throughout the cited period, General Cushman performed his myriad, demanding duties with superb leadership and exceptional professionalism. During this period when United States and Free World Military Assistance Forces were rapidly increasing in size and complexity, his unerring ability to make sound and timely decisions, and coordinate their execution enabled his command to integrate and employ United States and Free World military units into a cohesive, flexible force. Drawing on his extensive field experience and broad tactical and strategic knowledge, he analyzed operational problems and provided sound direction to his staff and to subordinate commanders that played a vital role in the success of seventy-three major combat operations. Displaying exceptional skill and tact, he was uniquely successful in dealing effectively with Republic of Vietnam and Republic of Korea commanders, and was instrumental in the successful, coordinated efforts among allied forces in the I Corps Tactical Zone. By his dynamic leadership, exceptional military skill, and unswerving devotion to duty, General Cushman’s performance reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.