The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred Keith Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period July 1971 to June 1973 while serving in the Office, Coordinator of Army Studies, Office of the Chief of Staff, United States Army. During the first part of his service, he managed a key portion of the Army’s study program insuring the development of an integrated study effort responsive to the needs of Army decision-makers. Later, as Coordinator of Army Studies, he served as principal advisor to the Vice Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice Chief of Staff on all matters concerning the Army study program. Colonel Mahaffey conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Army Study System which served as a basis for Army Study Advisory Committee deliberations and led to substantive changes aligning The Army Study System with the Army budget cycle. These changes have facilitated the efficient management of the Army’s multi-million dollar study program and provided focus on the priority needs of the Army. Of even greater significance, however, was colonel Mahaffey’s successful accomplishment of a number of sensitive special projects of great importance to the Army for the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey’s performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself 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 the Legion of Merit to Captain (Infantry) Fred Keith Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from October 1962 to September 1963.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred Keith Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period July 1968 to July 1969 while serving consecutively as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, 9th Infantry Division, as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 (Operations and Training), 9th Infantry Division and as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Demonstrating remarkable leadership abilities and rare judgment, Colonel Mahaffey came to be known as the hallmark of professional skill and competence while serving as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 (Operations and Training). His inherent ability to grasp and analyze problems of grave and far-reaching consequence enabled him to render flawless decisions. He provided firm and positive command and technical guidance to his staff while at the same time allowing them sufficient latitude to develop operating procedures peculiar to their particular areas of operations. As Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, Colonel Mahaffey displayed a high level of foresight and organizational ability which proved instrumental in the unit’s unprecedented level of accomplishment during a critical period of combat activity. Through his initiative, resourcefulness, adaptability to change and readiness to resort to the expedient, he has materially contributed to the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey’s professional competence and outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred Keith Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.