Awards and Decorations

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant George W. Adams (MCSN: 0-27077), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights as an Aerial Observer attached to a Marine Artillery Battalion of the SIXTH Marine Division during operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 18 May to 18 June 1945. Flying in extremely hazardous weather and in the face of enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, First Lieutenant Adams flew numerous missions in an unarmed and unarmored plane over enemy lines, observing enemy activities, calling for artillery fire and accurately adjusting such fire so as to inflict serious damage upon the enemy. On several occasions when terrestrial observation was extremely restricted and our own troops were receiving heavy fire from well concealed enemy positions he voluntarily proceeded to perilously low altitudes, often below one hundred feet, to locate and bring fire on the enemy, thus enabling our troops to advance. His courage, skill, complete disregard for his own personal safety, and devotion to duty contributed materially to the successful conclusion of the operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Louis A. Chateau (MCSN: 0-28590), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Jay D. Cook, Jr. (MCSN: 0-35160), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: William J. LaVelle, Jr. (MCSN: 0-23602), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: James M. Wallis (MCSN: 0-27086), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Lloyd K. Wehnes (MCSN: 0-22917), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Wayne H. Adams (MCSN: 0-4650), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in action against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 21 June 1945. Initially, as Assistant G-4 of the SIXTH Marine Division, Lieutenant Colonel Adams, by his thorough technical knowledge and grasp of the needs of the units or the Division for amphibious warfare, was in a large measure responsible for the successful and rapid loading of the Division for the Okinawa operation. During the assault phase and the rapid advance of the Division to the north, it was through his keen sense of duty and inexhaustible efforts that a smooth functioning supply and evacuation system was established. During the subsequent campaign in southern Okinawa, he assumed the duties of G-4 and, faced with the problem of maintaining supply and evacuation when roads were made impassable by torrential rains, maintained a continuous flow of supplies with exemplary ingenuity and foresight. When the Division was ordered to seize the Oroku Peninsula by amphibious assault, he although receiving the information of the operation only thirty-six hours prior to the hour of attack, drew up plans for the logistic support of the assault troops and directed their successful execution. The extremely efficient method in which the front line units attacking to the southern tip of the island were supplied by land and water aided materially in the rapid completion of the operations in that zone of action. By his devotion to duty, keen appreciation of his responsibilities, and his untiring efforts, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the Division. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Adams is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" to Colonel William N. Best (MCSN: 0-73), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with military operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 21 June 1945. As Division Quartermaster of a Marine Infantry Division, Colonel Best, operating under extraordinary difficulties occasioned by lack of adequate transportation, rapid movement, and frequent wide dispersal of units of the Division, worked with untiring efforts and a devotion to duty that materially aided in the successful completion of the Division's operations. Service facilities under his control rendered invaluable support to subordinate units. He maintained dumps close behind advancing units, permitting immediate supply of urgently needed items, and effected distribution to all combat units, thereby relieving them of the burden of calling for supplies. He accurately anticipated the quartermaster needs of the Division, thus preventing any avoidable delay in supply. Through his efforts a reception center was established to receive personnel returning from hospitals, furnishing them with clothing, bathing, laundry and barber facilities, and with food prior to their return to their units. Throughout the operation Colonel Best demonstrated exceptional proficiency in all phases of quartermaster work and his unusual foresight and ingenuity greatly contributed to the success of the Division. His actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Best is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War I

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major Robert Livingston Denig (MCSN: 0-236), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 9th Infantry (Army) (Attached), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Medeah Farm, France, 3 October 1918. While directing his battalion in cleaning out woods filled with enemy machine guns and snipers, himself severely wounded, Major Denig remained on duty until his mission had been accomplished.

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Robert Livingston Denig (MCSN: 0-236), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 9th Infantry (Army) (Attached), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Medeah Farm, France, 3 October 1918. While directing his battalion in cleaning out woods filled with enemy machine guns and snipers, himself severely wounded, Major Denig remained on duty until his mission had been accomplished.

Legion of Merit

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Robert L. Denig (MCSN: 0-236), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, from July 1941 through December 1945.

Navy Distinguished Service Medal

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major General Bruno A. Hochmuth (MCSN: 0-5117), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam during the period from 19 March through 14 November 1967.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major Bruno A. Hochmuth (MCSN: 0-5117), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, at Okinawa during the period from 1 April through 21 June 1945.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: George W. Killen (MCSN: 0-5365), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 21 September through 14 November 1945.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Elby D. Martin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5283), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 1 April through 21 June 1945.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Addison B. Overstreet (MCSN: 0-6827), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 1 January through 21 June 1945.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Paul F. Sackett (MCSN: 0-5899), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 1 April through 21 June 1945.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: John C. McQueen (MCSN: 0-3736), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on the joint Army-Navy Staff during the planning phases of the Attu and Kiska operations during May and August 1943.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: John C. McQueen (MCSN: 0-3736), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer of the Staff of the Commanding General, Expeditionary Troops, during the Tinian and Guam Operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 15 June through 14 August 1944.

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: John C. McQueen (MCSN: 0-3736), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Chief of Staff or the SIXTH Marine Division during the Okinawa Campaign in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 1 April through 21 June 1945.