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 to Brigadier General Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Management Analysis Group, Office of the Chief of Staff, Headquarters United States Marine Corps, from 3 December 1966 to 18 October 1968. Through his ability as an highly competent and resourceful manager, General Peatross initiated numerous programs designed to strengthen management systems within the Marine Corps. Displaying outstanding leadership and professional skill, General Peatross developed the “Marine Corps Program Progress Report,” a management discipline proving to be of invaluable assistance to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in his decision-making role. General Peatross headed the development of the program “Command and Management Presentation,” a program presented to Marine Corps Officers, senior non-commissioned officers and key civilians to make them aware of management techniques created by the introduction of automated systems into the Marine Corps. He exhibited the Command and Management Presentation to every major Marine Corps Command in the United States, reaching over 26,000 key personnel. The presentation was also made to the Secretary of the Navy, selected Department of Defense and Department of the Navy personnel, to the Harvard University Advance Management Program, and the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School. General Peatross, recognizing the broadening of requirement for systems management throughout the Marine Corps and the lack of personnel possessing the technical skills of management analysis and data processing to manage these systems, sponsored the planning and provided the impetus required to provide eighteen Information System Design Sections, one in each major Marine Corps Command and Management Systems, while ensuring the preservation of human factors. By his outstanding leadership, sound judgment and inspiring devotion to the fulfillment of his responsibilities, General Peatross was an inspiration to all who served with him. His performance throughout this period upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

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 Colonel Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Seventh Marine Regiment, THIRD Marine Division from 4 August 1965 to 1 April 1966 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. In meeting the diverse and complex requirements of his assignment, Colonel Peatross exhibited outstanding professional skill, sound judgment and imagination in the performance of his demanding duties. Ingeniously utilizing available personnel and materials, he effectively coordinated and directed the efforts of his infantry battalions, regimental staff and supporting units with the constant aim to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Seventh Marines. Drawing from his extensive combat experience both as a commander and staff officer, he provided invaluable personal and professional guidance for his officers and men, many of whom were engaged in action against an armed enemy for the first time. He repeatedly visited the forward most positions of his battalions and companies in order to remain personally abreast of individual and unit needs. Under his guidance, his Regiment’s participation in Operation STARLITE from 18 to 24 August inflicted devastating losses on the Viet Cong, virtually eliminating the highly touted First Viet Cong Regiment. Displaying keen analytical ability in the deployment of forces, he was of inestimable value to the staff of Task Force DELTA for Operation UTAH, an operation which was characterized by rapidly changing situations and close relationships between Marine Corps and Vietnamese Army units. Skillfully coordinating the myriad staff functions required for the support of four Marine Battalions, Colonel Peatross played a significant role in the intense battle against a deeply entrenched, heavily armed North Vietnamese Regiment. His determined effort throughout contributed in large measure to the successful accomplishment of the Seventh Marines’ mission in Vietnam. By his extraordinary military proficiency, inspiring leadership and unwavering dedication to duty, Colonel Peatross upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Peatross is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)