List of recipients of the Legion of Merit

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
R. L. George awarded the Legion of Merit by General William Westmoreland

The Legion of Merit is a decoration of the United States and is awarded to foreign military personnel in four grades and to U.S. military personnel without distinction of degree. The following are notable recipients within the award.

Chief Commander[edit]

# Nationality Office/Position Rank Name Force Date Comments
1.  UK Lieutenant-General Sir Kenneth Anderson, KCB, MC British Armed Forces June 18, 1943
2.  Republic of China Chairman Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek Chinese Armed Forces July 1943
3.  Republic of China Commander of the 200th Division of the National Revolutionary Army Lieutenant-General Tai An-lan (Dai Anlan) Chinese Armed Forces 1943 In command of 200th Division, Chinese Expeditionary Force (Burma). KIA on May 26, 1942, in Burma.
4.  UK GOC-in-C, Eighth Army General Sir Bernard Montgomery, KCB, DSO British Armed Forces August 6, 1943 Later Field Marshal
5.  UK Air C-in-C Mediterranean Air Command Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, GCB Royal Air Force August 27, 1943
6.  Soviet Union Chief of the Air Force of the Red Army Chief Marshal Of Aviation Alexander Alexandrovich Novikov Soviet Air Forces June 22, 1944
7.  Soviet Union Chief of the General Staff Marshal of the Soviet Union Aleksandr Vasilevsky Soviet Army 1944
8.  UK Rear Admiral Commanding HM Australian Squadron Rear-Admiral Sir Victor Crutchley, VC, KCB, DSC Royal Australian Naval Squadron September 1944 For exceptionally meritorious conduct 1942–44 in command of Task Force 44 in the Pacific.
9.  UK Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Bomber Command Air Marshal Arthur Harris, OBE, AFC Royal Air Force October 17, 1944 Known as "Bomber" Harris; he was the only major British commander who refused to receive a peerage after World War II (in protest in support of his men). He instituted "area bombing" of German cities.[1]
10.  UK King Commander-in-Chief (Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshal, Marshal of the Royal Air Force) George VI British Armed Forces 1945
11.  UK First Sea Lord Admiral of the Fleet The 1st Baron Cunningham of Hyndhope, Bt, KT, GCB, DSO** Royal Navy
12.  UK Admiral Sir John Cunningham, KCB, MVO Royal Navy For gallant and distinguished service during the invasion operations in Northern Italy and the South of France.
13.  UK Acting Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, KCB, KBE, DSO, MC, DFC, AFC Royal Air Force
14.  Romania King Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of Romania
King Michael I Romanian Armed Forces 1945 "Rendered exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the cause of the Allied Nations in the struggle against Hitlerite Germany. In July and August, 1944, his Nation, under the dominance of a dictatorial regime over which the King had no control, have allied herself with the Germany aggressors, he, King Mihai I, succeeded in giving purpose, direction and inspiration to the theretofore uncoordinated internal forces of opposition to the ruling dictator.

In culmination of his efforts, on 23 August 1944, although his capitol was still dominated by Germany troops, he personally, on his own initiative, and in complete disregard for his own safety, gave the signal for a coup d'etat by ordering his palace guards to arrest the dictator and his chief ministers."[2]

15.  Poland Commander-in-Chief Polish Armed Forces in the East Marshal Michał Rola-Żymierski Polish Armed Forces 1945
16.  Soviet Union Military Governor of the Soviet Occupation Zone of Germany Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov Soviet Army 1945
17.  UK Naval Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Naval Expeditionary Force Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, KCB, KBE, MVO Royal Navy January 15, 1945 For gallant and distinguished service whilst in command of the invasion operations on Normandy.
18.  Iraq Crown Prince Commander-In-Chief 'Abd al-Ilah Iraqi Armed Forces June 1, 1945
19.  UK Flag Officer Commanding, 1st Aircraft Carrier Squadron, British Pacific Fleet and Second in Command, British Pacific Fleet Vice Admiral Sir Philip Vian, KCB, KBE, DSO** Royal Navy July 17, 1945
20.  France Chairman of the Provisional Government of the French Republic Brigadier general Charles de Gaulle French Armed Forces August 24, 1945
21.  UK Commander-in-Chief British Air Forces of Occupation Air Chief Marshal Sir William Douglas, KCB, MC, DFC Royal Air Force August 28, 1945 made Commander of the Legion 28 July 1944
22.  UK Flag Officer, Liaison to the United States Navy in Europe Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake, KCB, DSO Royal Navy November 6, 1945
23.  Norway Crown Prince Chief of Defence of Norway Crown Prince Olav Norwegian Armed Forces November 23, 1945 "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from August 1944 to July 1945."
24.  Soviet Union Commander, Transbaikal-Amur Military District Marshal of the Soviet Union Rodion Malinovsky Soviet Army 1946
25.  Soviet Union Commander, Northern Group of Forces Marshal of the Soviet Union Konstantin Rokossovsky Soviet Army 1946
26.    Nepal Commanding General Commanding General Sir Baber Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, GBE, KCSI, KCIE Nepali Army 1946[citation needed] Brother of Prime Minister Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana who was decorated in 1948.
28.  Saudi Arabia King Commander-in-Chief Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia February 18, 1947
29.  Mexico President Commander-in-Chief Miguel Alemán Valdés Mexican Armed Forces November 26, 1947 [3]
30.  Brazil President General (Commander-in-Chief) Eurico Gaspar Dutra Brazilian Armed Forces October 7, 1947 [4]
31.  Iran Shahanshah Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi Iranian Armed Forces November 26, 1947 [3]
32.  Portugal Minister of War Fernando Santos Costa Portuguese Armed Forces March 11, 1948 [5]
33.  Kingdom of Yugoslavia Minister of the Army, Navy and Air Force General Dragoljub Mihailović Yugoslav Royal Army March 29, 1948 "General Mihailovich and his forces, although lacking adequate supplies, and fighting under extreme hardships, contributed materially to the allied cause, and were instrumental in obtaining a final Allied Victory." Recommended by Dwight D. Eisenhower. The award was kept secret until 1966.
34.  UK Field Marshal Sir William Slim, GBE, KCB, DSO, MC British Armed Forces 1948
35.  Italy Chief of Army Staff General Luigi Efisio Marras Italian Army January 4, 1949 [6]
36.    Nepal Maharaja, Prime Minister Commander-in-Chief (Field Marshal) Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, GBE, GCIE Royal Nepalese Army April 14, 1949 [7] Brother of Sir Baber Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana who was decorated in 1946.
37.  Venezuela President Commander-in-Chief Rómulo Gallegos Venezuelan Armed Forces April 14, 1949 [7]
38.  Cuba President Commander-in-Chief Carlos Prío Socarrás Cuban Armed Forces April 14, 1949 [7]
39.  India Chief of the Army Staff and Commander-in-Chief General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, OBE Indian Army November 10, 1949 [8] Later Field Marshal
40.  France Chief of the Army Staff Army General Georges Revers French Army December 30, 1949 [9]
41.  Greece Commander-in-Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos Greek Armed Forces December 30, 1949 [9]
42.  Greece Chief of the General Staff General Dimitrios Yiadzis Greek Army December 30, 1949 [9]
43.  Argentina Minister of National Defense Divisional General Humberto Sosa Molina Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic May 24, 1950 [10]
44.  Mexico Secretary of National Defense Lieutenant General Gilberto Limón Mexican Armed Forces February 14, 1951 [11]
45.  France President Commander-in-Chief Vincent Auriol French Armed Forces April 4, 1951 [12]
46.  Ethiopia Emperor Commander-in-Chief Haile Selassie Ethiopian Armed Forces August 9, 1951 [13]
47.  Ecuador President Commander-in-Chief Galo Plaza Ecuadorian Armed Forces September 25, 1951 [14]
48.  Costa Rica President N/A Otilio Ulate Blanco N/A October 24, 1951 [15]
49.  Australia C-in-C British Commonwealth Forces Korea Lieutenant-General Sir Horace Robertson, KBE, DSO Australian Defence Force January 15, 1952 [16]
50.  Portugal Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces General Aníbal César Valdez de Passos e Sousa [pt] Portuguese Armed Forces March 13, 1952 [17]
51.  Netherlands Queen Commander-in-chief Queen Juliana I of the Netherlands Netherlands Armed Forces April 23, 1952 Was Commander-in-chief of the Netherlands Armed Forces; Invested with the Order “For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1948 to 1952”.[18]
52.  Australia Prime Minister The Rt Hon Robert Menzies, KC Commonwealth of Australia May 29, 1952 [19]
53.  France Marshal of France Jean de Lattre de Tassigny French Armed Forces August 6, 1952 Posthumous.[20]
54.  Brazil Major General Cyro Espirito Santo Cardoso Brazilian Army October 4, 1952 [21]
55.  Iraq King Commander-In-Chief Faisal II of Iraq Iraqi Armed Forces November 28, 1952 [22]
56.  Peru President Commander-In-Chief Manuel Odria Peruvian Armed Forces August 4, 1953 [23]
57.  Greece King Commander-in-Chief King Paul I Greek Armed Forces November 3, 1953 [24]
58.  Pakistan Commander-in-Chief, Pakistan Army General Ayub Khan Pakistan Army November 3, 1953 [24]
59.  Turkey President Commander-in-Chief Celâl Bayar Turkish Armed Forces March 8, 1954 [25]
60.  Venezuela President Commander-in-Chief Marcos Pérez Jiménez Venezuelan Army November 12, 1954 [26][27]
61.  Thailand Minister of Defence Field Marshal Luang Plaek Pibulsonggram Royal Thai Army May 2, 1955 Supreme Commander
62.  India Chief of the Army Staff General Satyawant Mallana Srinagesh Indian Army September 2, 1955 Chief of the Army Staff[28]
63.  Thailand King Commander-in-Chief Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) Royal Thai Armed Forces June 28, 1960 Head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces
64.  Libya Chief of the Army Staff Major General Senussi Letaiwish Royal Libyan Army June 5, 1961 The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Commander to Major General Senussi Letaiwish, Libyan Army, "for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States", from October 1958 to June 1961.[29]
65.  Thailand Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn Royal Thai Army 1967
66.  South Korea General Kim Yong-Bae Republic of Korea Armed Forces February 14, 1968 For service April 1965 to March 1966. The initial award of Commander degree was revoked and replaced with Chief Commander.
67.  South Korea Minister of National Defense Kim Sung-Eun Republic of Korea Armed Forces December 9, 1968 For service March 1963 to June 1966.
68.  Turkey President Commander-in-Chief Kenan Evren Turkish Armed Forces June 27, 1988
69.  UK Commander British Forces Middle East General Sir Peter de la Billière, KCB, KBE, DSO, MC* British Armed Forces 8 June 1993 [30]
70.  Colombia Chief of Staff General Freddy Padilla de Leon Colombian Armed Forces 2008 After leading the Operation Jaque into success.
71.  Kuwait Emir Commander-in-Chief Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Kuwait Military Forces September 18, 2020 [31]
72.  India Prime Minister Narendra Modi India December 21, 2020 "President Donald Trump presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the U.S.-India strategic partnership. Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu accepted the medal on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.” –NSA Robert C. O’Brien
73.  Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison Commonwealth of Australia December 21, 2020 “President @realDonaldTrump awarded the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security. Ambassador @A_Sinodinos accepted the medal on behalf of PM Morrison.” – NSA Robert C. O’Brien[32]
74.  Japan Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Japan Self-Defense Forces December 21, 2020 “President @realDonaldTrump awarded the Legion of Merit to Japanese Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security. Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama accepted the medal on behalf of Former PM Abe.” – NSA Robert C. O’Brien
75.  Morocco King Commander-in-Chief Mohammed VI Royal Moroccan Armed Forces January 15, 2021 "His vision and personal courage — including his decision to resume ties with the State of Israel — have positively reshaped the landscape of the Middle East and North Africa and ushered in a new era of security and prosperity for both our countries and the world," a White House statement said.[33]
76.  Bahrain King Commander-in-Chief Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Bahrain Defence Force January 19, 2021 [34]

Commander[edit]

Nationality Rank Name Force Date Comments
 Brazil Brigadier General Alexandre Zacharias de Assumpção Brazilian Army 1942 General of Brigade Alexandre Zacharias de Assumpcao, Brazilian Army, was cited for service as Commanding General of the 8th Military Region, Brazil. The 8th Military Region was headquartered in Belem, which was a major support base for US aircraft transiting to North Africa and the Mediterranean. The Army made 31 awards of the Legion of Merit, commander grade, to Brazilian officers during World War II.
 Brazil Brigadier General Amaro Soares Bittencourt Brazilian Army 1942 First recipient of this medal in any degree.
 Australia Rear Admiral Harold Farncomb, CB, DSO, MVO, RAN Royal Australian Navy 1942 Commanded various International military units.
 Canada Major General George Pearkes VC PC CC CB DSO MC CD Canadian Army 1942 General Officer Commanding in Chief Pacific Command (Canadian Army)
 United Kingdom Major General Leslie Burtonshaw Nicholls, CBE British Amy, Chief Signals Officer, Allied Force Headquarters, July 1, 1943[35] For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States and the Allied Nations. Assigned to Allied Force Headquarters 1 July 1943 when the planning for the Sicilan Campaign was in progress, and with great problems of communications and supply facing him, Major General Nicholls, with his sound knowledge and tireless energy, quickly overcame all difficulties. During the Sicilan and Italian Campaigns Major General Nicholls displayed the highest organizating ability, ensuring vital communications without which to many successful battles could not have been fought.
 United Kingdom Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson, VC, DSO*, DFC* Royal Air Force December 3, 1943[36] WWII leader of the Dams raid (Operation Chastise) in 1943.
 France Brigadier General Paul Devinck French Army 1943
 France Lieutenant General Louis Koeltz French Army 1943 Commander of XIXth Army Corps
 France Brigadier General François Le Clercq French Army 1943
 Soviet Union Colonel General Of Aviation Alexander Repin Soviet Air Force June 22, 1944[37] President Roosevelt presented the award for further delivery to Marshal Stalin on February 11, 1945, at the Yalta Conference.
 Poland Lieutenant General Władysław Anders 2nd Polish Corps August 1, 1944
 France Major General Paul Bergeron French Army 1944
 France General Étienne Beynet French Army 1944 Head of the French Military Mission to Washington
 France General Georges Catroux French Army 1944 Governor General of French Algeria
 France General (later Maréchal de France) Jean de Lattre de Tassigny French Army 1944 Commander of the French Forces in Italy
 France Lieutenant General Henry Martin French Army 1944 Commander of the French Forces in Corsica
 France Brigadier General Louis Rivet French Army 1944 Former Head of French Military Intelligence
 United Kingdom Air Marshal Sir Francis John Linnell, KBE, CB Royal Air Force January 30, 1945[38] Deputy Commander-in-Chief (RAF MED ME) Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, 29 February 1944 – 29 June 1944. Awarded posthumously by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
 United Kingdom Admiral Sir Gerald Charles Dickens, KCVO, CB, CMG Royal Navy 1945 WWII Commander
 United Kingdom Air Commodore Andrew James Wray Geddes, CB, DSO, MVO, Royal Air Force 1945 Responsible for the planning of Operations Manna and Chowhound[3]
 United Kingdom Air vice-marshal Frank Inglis Royal Air Force December 3, 1947[39]
 United Kingdom Air vice-marshal Charles Edmonds Royal Air Force December 3, 1947[39]
 United Kingdom Air vice-marshal Arthur Sanders Royal Air Force December 3, 1947[39]
 Canada Air vice-marshal George Owen Johnson Royal Canadian Air Force December 3, 1947[39]
 United Kingdom Major General Sir Miles Graham, KBE, CB, MC British Army 24 April 1945 Responsible for organising and coordinating activities in connection with the invasion of Normandy in June 1944.
 New Zealand Lieutenant General Sir Bernard Cyril Freyberg, VC, KCB, KBE, CMG, DSO*** 2nd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces August 2, 1945
 Mexico Colonel Antonio Cárdenas Rodríguez Mexican Air Force 1945 Commander of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force, which participated in the Battle of Luzon
 Czechoslovakia General Sergěj Ingr Czechoslovak Armed Forces 1945[40] Minister of National Defense of the Czechoslovak government-in-exile 1940-44
 South Africa Major General William Henry Evered Poole, CB, CBE, DSO 6th South African Armored Division Unit is part of the 5th US Army during the Italian Campaign in World War II
 Czechoslovakia General Ludvík Svoboda Czechoslovak Army 1946[41] Minister of Defence of Czechoslovakia
 UK Major General Sir Donald Banks, KCB, DSO, MC, TD Petroleum Warfare Department 24 January 1946[42] For his role in the production and manufacture of an improved American flamethrower fuel, and other work of Petroleum Warfare Department employed during the liberation of Europe which "contributed substantially to the successful prosecution of the war".[43]
 Canada Brigadier General John Ernest Genet, CBE MC Canadian Army 30 March 1946 Chief Signal Officer, First Canadian Army.[44]
 Canada Major General Georges Vanier, DSO MC* Canadian Army 1946 Canadian representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to France, later Governor General of Canada.
 Canada Rear Admiral Leonard W. Murray, CB CBE Canadian Northwest Atlantic 1946 Architect of the Battle of the Atlantic.
 Sweden Lieutenant General Bengt Nordenskiöld Swedish Air Force 9 July 1946[45] Chief of the Air Force
 New Zealand Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, GCB, KBE, MC*, DFC Royal Air Force June 27, 1947 WWII commander during the Battle of Britain and later Allied Air Commander South East Asia
 India General Rajendrasinhji Jadeja, DSO Indian Army 1946 Chief of the Army Staff[28]
 Sweden Commander 2nd Class Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland Swedish Navy June 4, 1948 On June 4, 1948, President Harry S. Truman awarded Prince Bertil of Sweden the Legion of Merit, Degree of Commander, "In exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the U.S."[46]
 Philippines General Alfredo M. Santos Armed Forces of the Philippines
 Netherlands General
Lieutenant admiral
Prince Bernhard, Prince Consort of the Netherlands Netherlands Armed Forces Husband of the Commander-in-Chief of the Netherlands Armed Forces; Was a General in the Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands East Indies Army and the Royal Netherlands Air Force and was a Lieutenant admiral in the Royal Netherlands Navy. Appointed a Honorary Air commodore in the Royal Air Force in 1941 and later appointed to the honorary rank of Air marshal by Queen Elizabeth II on 15 September 1964.[47] Was also a Honorary Air commodore in the Royal New Zealand Air Force since 1948.
 Thailand General Sarit Thanarat Royal Thai Army September 14, 1954
 Sweden Rear Admiral Moje Östberg Swedish Navy January 1955[48] Naval attaché in Washington, D.C. from 1951 to 1954.
 Thailand Marshal of the Air Force Fuen Ronnaphagrad Ritthakhanee Royal Thai Air Force May 17, 1955
 Cuba Colonel Ramon Barquin Armed Forces of the Republic of Cuba 1955 Military Attaché to the United States, Mexico, and Canada; Cuba Delegate to the Inter-American Defense Board; Vice-director and Joint Chiefs of Staff Commander of the Inter-American Defense Board. For his organizing and coordinating activities to eliminate coups d'état in the Americas. Barquin later became the last Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and de facto Head of State of the Republic of Cuba in January 1959, before the Revolutionary government established by Fidel Castro. Barquin served as Chief of the Army and was later named Ambassador-at-Large to Europe in April 1959 and resigned in 1960.
 Thailand Police General Phao Siyanon Royal Thai Police September 2, 1955
 Japan General Keizō Hayashi Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) November 10, 1958 Chairman of the Joint Staff Council, JSDF. First Japanese recipient of this medal.[49]
 Thailand Field Marshal Phin Choonhavan Royal Thai Army May 4, 1957
 Thailand Major General Wan Waithayakon Jan 3, 1958
 Sweden Lieutenant General Thord Bonde Swedish Army December 4, 1959 Chief of the Army. For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, from July 1943 to September 1945 and October 1957 to March 1958.[50]
 Thailand Air Chief Marshal Dawee Chullasapya Royal Thai Air Force July 27, 1967
 Netherlands Major General Willem J.I. van Breukelen Netherlands Armed Forces 1962
 Thailand General Praphas Charusathien Royal Thai Force 1962
 Sweden Vice Admiral Åke Lindemalm Swedish Navy 1963 Chief of the Navy. Awarded by the United States Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth.[51]
 Germany Lieutenant-General Ulrich de Maizière Bundeswehr March 9, 1965
 Sweden General Torsten Rapp Swedish Air Force April 12, 1965 Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces. "General Rapp has shown outstanding and exemplary leadership, and that he has meritoriously contributed to the friendly relations between Sweden and the United States." Awarded by General Earle Wheeler.[52][53]
 Jordan Lieutenant-General Amer Khammash Jordanian Armed Forces April 3, 1969 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces from 9 October 1967 till 30 June 1969. Awarded by President Richard Nixon for Exceptionally Meritorious Conduct in the Performance of Outstanding Services throughout his entire military career with the Arab Army.
 Greece General Odysseus Aggelis Greek Armed Forces April 5, 1971 Chief of the Greek Armed Forces from April 1967 till August 1973. Awarded by order of the US President Richard Nixon for Exceptionally Meritorious Conduct in the Performance of Outstanding Services from December 1968 to March 1971.
 Thailand Admiral Sangad Chaloryu Chief of Defence Forces 1975
 India Admiral Jal Cursetji Indian Navy 1978 Chief of the Naval Staff[54]
 Sweden General Lennart Ljung Swedish Army 1980 Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces. Awarded by General David C. Jones.[55][56]
 Sudan Major General Mohamed Mirgani Eltahir Sudanese Air Force 11 August 1981 Chief of Sudanese Air Force Major Gen. Mohamed was conferred with the US Legion of Merit Medal for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from August 1978 to August 1981.
 Poland Lieutenant-General Stefan Grot-Rowecki Polish Armed Forces (Armia Krajowa) August 9, 1984 Awarded by Ronald Reagan posthumously forty years and one week after his death at the hands of the Gestapo.
 Thailand General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh Chiefs of Defence Forces January 15, 1988
 Thailand Air Chief Marshal Kaset Rojananil Royal Thai Air Force June 1, 1990
 Philippines General Fidel Ramos Armed Forces of the Philippines 1990
 Bangladesh Brigadier General Abdul Muneem Mansur Ahmed Bangladesh Army January 16, 1991 The first Bangladeshi General to receive this award for his outstanding service as the Defense Attaché in the Bangladesh Embassy, United States
 France Lieutenant General Michel Roquejeoffre French Army July 14, 1991
 Israel General Ehud Barak Israeli Defense Forces 1992 Later became Israeli Prime Minister from 1999 to 2001
 Argentina Teniente General Martín Balza Argentine Army 1994 Chief of Argentine Armed Forces 1991 to 1999
 Canada General Alfred John Gardyne Drummond de Chastelain, OC, CMM, CH, CD Canadian Forces 1995 In 1999, he was made a Companion of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II. He is the former Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces and he is the Chairman of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning since November 1995 for the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
 Colombia General I. M. Elias Nino Herrera Colombian Marine Corps For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commandant of the Colombian Marine Corps. General Nino's cooperation and understanding have been a significant contribution to the mutual friendship between Colombia and the United States.
 United Kingdom Lieutenant General Michael Walker, KCB, CMG, CBE Implementation Force in Bosnia May 13, 1997[57] Former Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) in the United Kingdom
 Ecuador General de Ejército
(General of the Army)
Paco Moncayo Ecuadorian Armed Forces January 1998 For of his exceptionally superior performance as Chief of the Armed Forces Joint Command and his contribution to Ecuadorian history, politics and democracy.
 Australia Vice Admiral Donald Chalmers, AO, RAN Royal Australian Navy 1998[58] Chief of Navy
 Australia General Sir Phillip Bennett, AC, KBE, DSO
John Baker, AC, DSM
Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC
Australian Defence Force Chiefs of the Defence Force
 Germany General Adolf Heusinger
Klaus Naumann
Wolfgang Schneiderhan
Carl-Hubertus von Butler[59]
Bundeswehr
 France General Edgard de Larminat
Alain de Boissieu
Vincent Desportes
Jean-Louis Georgelin
 Thailand General Mongkol Amphonpisit Chiefs of Defence Forces December 1, 1999
 Thailand General Surayud Chulanont Royal Thai Army December 20, 2000
 Thailand Air Chief Marshal Sanan Thuathip Royal Thai Air Force February 8, 2001
 Australia Vice Admiral David Shackleton AO, RAN Royal Australian Navy 2001 Chief of Navy
 Malaysia General Md Hashim bin Hussein Royal Malaysia Army 2001 Chief of Army
 Germany General Wolfgang Schneiderhan Bundeswehr
 Turkey General Hilmi Özkök Turkish Armed Forces 2002
 Australia Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie AO, RAN Royal Australian Navy Chief of Navy
 Israel Major General Yedidya Ya'ari Israeli Navy December 4, 2003[60] Commander in Chief, Israel Navy
 Canada Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard OC CMM MSC CD Deputy Commander NORAD 2004 Commander of NATO forces enforcing "No Fly Zone" Libya 2011
 Pakistan Admiral Shahid Karimullah Pakistan Navy July 21, 2004 For his steadfast support of American-Pakistan cooperation in regional maritime, security affairs, demonstrated superb resolve and unwavering dedication to the Global War on terrorism
 Australia Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC Australian Army 2004 Chief of Army
 Argentina Admiral Jorge Godoy Argentine Navy October 1, 2004 Chief of Staff, Argentine Navy
 Japan General Yoshimitsu Tsumagari Japan Air Self-Defense Force October 19, 2004 Chief of Staff, Air Self Defense Force
 Turkey Commander-in-Chief Mehmet Yaşar Büyükanıt Turkish Armed Forces December 12, 2005
 Bangladesh Lieutenant General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury Bangladesh Army 2005 Former Chief of Army Staff (Bangladesh)
 Italy Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola Italian Navy Incumbent Minister of Defence in the Monti Cabinet
 Pakistan Admiral Afzal Tahir Pakistan Navy January 23, 2006 Legion of Merit in recognition of his efforts in conducting maritime security operations and strengthening of cooperation between the two navies in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
 Malaysia Admiral Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor Malaysian Armed Forces 2006
 Japan General Tadashi Yoshida Japan Air Self-Defense Force October 24, 2006 Chief of Staff, Air Self Defense Force
 Canada Lieutenant General Andrew Leslie Canadian Army December 8, 2006
 Russia Admiral of the Fleet Vladimir Vasilyevich Masorin Russian Navy August 24, 2007 The first Russian recipient for meritorious conduct of the Russian Federation Navy to increase cooperation and interoperability with the U.S. Navy and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from September 2005 to August 2007.
 Japan General Ryoichi Oriki Ground Self-Defense Force October 1, 2007 Chief of Staff
 Pakistan Lt General Tariq Khan Pakistani Army December 9, 2007 Legion of Merit for meritorious services as a liaison officer at CENTCOM during Operations Enduring Freedom (December 9, 2007).
 Poland General Franciszek Gągor Polish Armed Forces May 22, 2008 For exceptionally meritorious service as the Chief of Staff of the Polish Armed Forces from February 2006 to May 2008.
 Israel Lieutenant General Hebrew: Rav Aluf Gabi Ashkenazi Israeli Defence Forces July 24, 2008 Chief of Staff – Israeli Defence Forces
 South Africa Vice Admiral Refiloe Johannes Mudimu South African Navy 2008 For role in strengthening ties with US Navy[61]
 Japan General Toshio Tamogami Air Self-Defense Force August 19, 2008 [62]
 Pakistan General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Pakistani Army January 1, 2009
 Australia Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AC, DSC, CSM Australian Army 2009 Chief of Army
 Sweden General Sverker Göranson Swedish Armed Forces 2010 Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces. For dedication and professionalism as supreme commander led the continuing transformation of the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish international operations.
 Japan General Kenichiro Hokazono Japan Air Self-Defense Force January 22, 2010 Chief of Staff, Air Self Defense Force
 Iraq General Babaker Shawkat B. Zebari Iraqi Army January 7, 2010
 Pakistan Admiral Noman Bashir Pakistan Navy March 18, 2010 For distinguished service and strengthening American-Pakistani relations. Also, for his role in establishing and strengthening the Pakistan Navy and U.S. Navy relations in Arabian Sea.
 Sri Lanka Major General Milinda Peiris RWP, RSP, USP Sri Lanka Army For service as military attaché to the Sri Lankan Embassy in the United States
 South Africa General Godfrey Ngwenya South African Army 20 May 2010 for his leadership during a time of transition in the South African military and his country's support of vital NATO peacekeeping operations in Sudan, Burundi and Congo
 Australia Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO, CSM, RAN Royal Australian Navy Chief of Navy
 Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman Pakistan Air Force Aug. 5, 2010 For the performance of outstanding services March 2009 to August 2010.
 Japan General Yoshifumi Hibako Ground Self-Defense Force June 8, 2011 Chief of Staff
 Austria General Edmund Entacher Austrian Armed Forces November 22, 2011[63] Chief of Staff
 Thailand Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong Royal Thai Air Force December 21, 2011
 Israel Major General Ido Nehoshtan Israeli Air Force 15 April 2012[64] Chief of IAF
 Thailand Admiral Surasak Runroengrom Royal Thai Navy 19 April 2012
 Estonia General Ants Laaneots Estonian Defence Forces July 4, 2012 Former Commander-in-Chief
 Australia Lieutenant General David Morrison AO Australian Army 2012 Chief of Army
 Australia General David Hurley AC, DSC Australian Army 2012 Chief of the Defence Force
 Canada Colonel Todd Balfe Royal Canadian Air Force June 5, 2012[65] For his exceptional devotion to duty, and his significant contributions both to the maintenance of North American air security as well as to the close relationship between United States and Canadian Forces in NORAD.
 Hungary Colonel General Tibor Benkő Hungarian Ground Forces September 4, 2012[66] Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces
 Sweden Major General Berndt Grundevik Swedish Army September 2012[67]
29 April 2015[68]
Inspector of the Swedish Army
Head of Swedish delegation to NNSC
 Italy Lieutenant General Claudio Graziano Italian Army February 11, 2013 Chief of the General Staff of the Italian Army
 Canada Vice Admiral Paul Maddison CMM MSM CD Royal Canadian Navy 26 April 2013 Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
 Australia Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN Royal Australian Navy May 2013 Chief of Navy
   Nepal Brigadier General Shamsher Thakurathi Nepal Army 29 January 2013
 Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha Royal Thai Army September 20, 2013[69]
 India General Bikram Singh[70][71] Indian Army December 5, 2013[72] Chief of the Army Staff
 Turkey General Hulusi Akar Turkish Armed Forces January 27, 2015 For his outstanding contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
 Tunisia General Ismail Fathalli Tunisian Army April 13, 2015 Chief of Army Staff General Ismail Fathalli was presented with the United States Legion of Merit.[73]
 Denmark General Knud Bartels Danish Army October 2014 During his visit at the Pentagon General Bartels was awarded the Legion of Merit by General Dempsey in recognition of his exceptional conduct while serving as Chief of Defence of the Danish Armed Forces (2009–2011) and as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee.[74]
 Pakistan General Raheel Sharif Pakistan Army November 19, 2014 Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif on November 19, 2014, was conferred with the US Legion of Merit Medal in recognition of his brave leadership and efforts to ensure peace in the region.
 Canada Vice Admiral Mark Norman CMM CD Royal Canadian Navy April 21, 2015 VAdm Mark G. Norman received the award in honor of his leadership of the Royal Canadian Navy's successful anti-drug operations in and around Central America.[75]
 Georgia Lieutenant General Devi Chankotadze Georgian Armed Forces May 2, 2015[76] Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces
 Bangladesh Brigadier General Mohammad Abdul Moeen Bangladesh Army July 31, 2015 Brigadier General Moeen received this prestigious medal for his exceptional meritorious service as the Bangladesh Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attache to the United States, from May 2010 to July 2013. Brigadier General Moeen facilitated cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh Armies in numerous events through United States Pacific Command, to include those focused on peacekeeping operations, disaster management and counter terrorism.
 Israel Lieutenant General Gadi Eizenkot Israel Defense Forces August 2016 Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces
 New Zealand Lieutenant General Timothy James Keating, CNZM New Zealand Army November 1, 2016 Chief of Defence Force
 Pakistan Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah Pakistan Navy March 17, 2017 Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was presented with the United States Legion of Merit.[77]
 Australia Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC Australian Army 13 June 2017 Chief of Army
 Jordan Lieutenant General Mahmoud Freihat Jordanian Armed Forces July 2017 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces[78]
 Kuwait Major General Khalid Saleh Al-Sabah Kuwaiti Armed Forces April 2017 Commander, Kuwait Land Forces[79]
 Israel Major General Amir Eshel Israeli Air Force August 2017 On change of command of the Israeli Air Force, awarded as outgoing commander.
 UK Major General Robert Magowan, CB, CBE Royal Marines 10 October 2017 Third Sea Lord
 Czech Republic General Petr Pavel Army of the Czech Republic 8 March 2018 Presented by General Joseph Dunford for service as Chairman of NATO Military Committee.[80]
 Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman Pakistan Air Force March 12, 2018 Chief of Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was presented with the United States Legion of Merit.[81]
 Canada Lieutenant General Michael Hood, CMM, CD Royal Canadian Air Force 4 May 2018 Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
 UK General Sir Nicholas Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen British Army 14 May 2018 Chief of the General Staff
 Lithuania Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Žukas[82] Lithuanian Armed Forces 15 August 2018 Chief of Defence of Lithuanian Armed Forces[83]
 IND General Dalbir Singh Suhag Indian Army August 17, 2018[84] Chief of the Army Staff
 Georgia Major General Vladimer Chachibaia Georgian Armed Forces 29 August 2018[76] Chief of General Staff of Georgian Armed Forces
 UK Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, GBE, KCB, ADC, DL Royal Air Force October 2018 Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
 Estonia General Riho Terras Estonian Defence Forces 13 November 2018[85] Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces
 Spain General Fernando Alejandre Martínez Spanish Army 18 October 2018 Chief of the Defence Staff
 Japan Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano Japan Self-Defense Forces(JSDF) 21 March 2019 Chief of Staff, Joint Staff[86]
 Australia Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC Royal Australian Air Force 12 April 2019 Chief of Air Force (Australia)
 UK Admiral Sir Philip Jones, KCB, ADC, DL Royal Navy 1 May 2019 First Sea Lord
 Netherlands Brigadier General Jeff Mac Mootry Royal Netherlands Marine Corps 4 June 2019[87] Commandant Royal Netherlands Marine Corps
 Thailand General Pornpipat Benyasri Chief of Defence Forces June 18, 2019[88]
 Iraq General Othman al-Ghanmi Iraqi Armed Forces July 30, 2019 Chief of the General Staff during the War in Iraq (2013-2017), for his role in the Coalition to defeat Daesh[89]
 Indonesia General Andika Perkasa Indonesian Army 3 February 2020 General Andika Perkasa was conferred the award for his initiative in strengthening relations between the Indonesian Army and US Army and also for his contribution for the security stability in the Indo-Pacific region.[90] As per September 2021, he is the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army.
 Singapore Major General Mervyn Tan Republic of Singapore Air Force 11 February 2020 Major General Mervyn Tan (Ret) was conferred the award for strengthening defence relations between the United States and Singapore.

He is now currently serving as the Deputy Secretary of Technology in MINDEF.

 Canada Vice Admiral Maurice Frank Ronald "Ron" Lloyd Ron Lloyd Royal Canadian Navy 29 Feb 2020 Commander Royal Canadian Navy (Ret)
 Thailand Air Chief Marshal Johm Rungsawang 16 Sep. 2020[91]
 Australia Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN Royal Australian Navy 28 March 2022 Chief of Navy
 Thailand General Narongpan Jitkaewthae Royal Thai Army 22 May 2022[92]
 Colombia Admiral Evelio Ramírez Gáfaro Colombian Navy 17 September 2020[93] Commander-in-chief of the Navy. For exceptionally meritorious service as Commander, Colombian Navy, from December 2018 to August 2020. Admiral Ramirez led the Colombian Navy and Coast Guard efforts to interdict illicit drug shipments destined for the United States, significantly contributing to Hemispheric security. Admiral Ramírez's superior effort, outstanding leadership, and personal initiative reflect great credit upon himself, the Colombian Navy, and his country.
 Ecuador Rear Admiral Brúmel Vázquez Bermúdez Ecuadorian Navy 6 December 2022[94] Chief of Navy. Exceptionally meritorious service as Commanding General of the Ecuadorian Navy, from May 2021 to July 2022. He led the Ecuadorian Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps efforts to advance the partnership with the United States. His superior effort, outstanding leadership, and personal initiative reflect great credit upon himself, the Ecuadorian Navy, and his country.
 Sweden Major General Karl Engelbrektson Swedish Army 19 December 2022[95] Chief of Army. Awarded by the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General James C. McConville
 Singapore Major General Kelvin Khong Republic of Singapore Air Force 10 May 2023 Major General Kelvin Khong was conferred the award in recognition for his meritorious service as Chief of Air Force since 2019, in deepening long-standing bilateral ties between the United States Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force, and his contributions to enhance interoperability and trust between the two Air Forces through professional exchanges and participation in exercises.
 Singapore Rear Admiral Aaron Beng Republic of Singapore Navy 26 May 2023 Rear Admiral Aaron Beng was presented the medal in recognition of his leadership and contributions as Chief of Navy, where he had deepened the longstanding bilateral ties between the United States Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy in spite of the pandemic, and contributed to the quick resumption of engagements to enhance interoperability between the two navies.
 Singapore Lieutenant General (RET) Melvyn Ong Singapore Armed Forces 1 June 2023 Lieutenant General (RET) Melvyn Ong was presented the medal in recognition of his leadership and contributions as Chief of Defence Force, when he deepened longstanding bilateral ties between the US Military and Singapore Armed Forces. This included regular bilateral exchanges between both Armed Forces through professional engagements and participation in exercises.
 United Kingdom Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, KCB ADC Royal Navy 10 September 2023 Chief of the Defence Staff[96]
 New Zealand Air Marshal Kevin Ronald Short, AO Royal New Zealand Air Force 6 April 2024 Chief of Defence Force

Officer[edit]

Ehud Barak, later Prime Minister of Israel, with the Legion of Merit in 1993
  • At the beginning of the North African campaign, Brigadier General Lyman L. Lemnitzer accompanied Major General Mark Wayne Clark by submarine to North Africa. Upon arrival, about 60 officers were awarded the Legion of Merit and were among the first awarded the medal. By some misunderstanding as to the rules governing the awards, these 60 American officers were awarded the degree of Officer. According to Lemnitzer, President Roosevelt was quite annoyed but did not rescind the awards. These were the only U.S. officers (or service personnel of any rank) awarded the Legion of Merit with a degree.
  • In 1943 Willem Jan Kruys received the Legion of Merit (officier) in Australia as captain of the Dutch destroyer HMNS 'Tjerk Hiddes' for the three rescue trips to Timor in December 1942 during which 1100 people were saved from the beaches of Timor under Japanese occupation. The certificate was signed by President Roosevelt personally. In 1960 Kruys received the Legion of Merit again when retired as vice-admiral of the Royal Dutch Navy, this time with gold star and combat V.
  • In March 1945, Colonel Hsieh Mang, of the Chinese Army was awarded the Legion of Merit for his work with the First American Volunteer Group "Flying Tigers".
  • In 1945, Lieutenant Colonel William E. Fairbairn, a former British General Service Corps who transferred to United States as "officer in rent" to train SOE agents and later the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), for his achievements in training OSS personnel. Fairbairn eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel by the end of the war, and received the U.S. Legion of Merit (officer grade) at the specific request of "Wild Bill" Donovan, founder of the OSS. Known as the teacher of close combat fighting in Camp X and teaching defendu, a special forces close combat system. Following his instruction at Camp X, Fairbairn was rejoined by his pupil Col. Applegate to form the United States "School for Spies and Assassins", then called "Camp B", now known as Camp David. Not well known by the public because his techniques were often brutal, and were considered too dangerous to be widely publicly known. Some people considered him as a British agent in disguise and a prototype of Ian Fleming's character of James Bond. Fairbairn was also the teacher of Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick, the designer of Army Special Unit knife V-42 stiletto which was based on Fairbairn–Sykes commando knife. Fairbairn also a friend of Captain Dermot Michael "Pat" O'Neill, the First Special Service Force's close-combat instructor.[97][98]
  • In 1945, Colonel Movlid Visaitov, commander of the 255th Separate Chechen-Ingush Cavalry Regiment and the 28th Guards Regiment. Visaitov was the first Soviet officer to shake hands with General Bolling at the Elbe River.[citation needed]
  • On 27 September 1945, General Alois Liška of the Czechoslovak Army under former U.S. command, was awarded by General Ernest N. Harmon in Prague
  • Group Captain Harry Day, Senior Officer at numerous POW camps during World War II, and significantly helped American POWs endure the captivity, as well as organizing escape operations. He received the award on July 5, 1946.[99]
  • In 1946, Commodore Alfred Victor Knight of the Royal Australian Navy was awarded the commendation for honorary services. The citation described him as a 'forceful leader' who, by his 'splendid co-operation in the conduct of a vital training programme, aggressive determination and untiring energies ... contributed materially to combined large-scale operations'.[100]
  • On 3 September 1946, Vice Admiral Henry George Harry DeWolf CBE, DSO, DSC, CD of the Royal Canadian Navy was awarded the legion of Merit officer level for honorary services. The citation description "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving as Chief Staff Officer to Rear-Admiral G.C. Jones, RCN. He frequently conferred with Commander Task Force Twenty-four and his staff in connection with planning and the operational control of the surface forces under Commander Task Force Twenty-four. His excellent professional grasp of strategic and tactical situations, together with his intelligent and co-operative attitude, contributed materially to the success of operations conducted by Commander Task force Twenty-four."
  • In 1947, Colonel Valentine Patrick Terrel Vivian head of counter-espionage, Section V, and Vice-Chief of the S.I.S. or MI6. The citation reads, as deputy director of a special British agency in the European Theater of Operations from January 1943 to June 1945, rendered exceptionally devoted and meritorious service to the Allied armies, by American forces in a special province of military operations, and continuing it through the long period of preparation for the Normandy invasion and during the march into Germany, Colonel Vivian made an outstanding contribution to Allied military and to the enemy's defeat.[101][102]
  • On 30 January 1948, Captain J. Alberto Sánchez López Commander-in-Chief of the Ecuadorian Navy, was awarded the legion of Merit officer level. The citation description "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1944 to August 1945. He has made an essential contribution to Pan-American Solidarity in further strenghthening the bond and understanding between the United States of America and Ecuador. Under his able guidance and direction, the Navy of Ecuador, cooperating with the Armed Forces of the United States, assisted in consolidating Western Hemispheric Defense during the critical period of the war."
  • In 1948, then Brigadier General John Frederick Boyce Combe was made an Officer of the Legion for his contribution "to the over-all success Allied forces in Italy" during World War II.[103]
  • In 1948, Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera VSV, USP, Sri Lanka Air Force.
  • In 1950 Air Commodore Leonard Birchall (Royal Canadian Air Force) was made an officer of the Legion for his life imperiling heroic actions as a Japanese POW in WWII: "His exploits became legendary throughout Japan and brought renewed faith and strength to many hundreds of ill and disheartened prisoners." – U.S. President Harry S. Truman.[104]
  • In 1953, The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Officer to Major General [then Brigadier General] Ham Byong Sun, Republic of Korea Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 28 April 1951 to 3 April 1952.[105]
  • In 1953, Major General [then Brigadier General] Kim Chum Kon, Republic of Korea Army, was made an Officer of the Legion for service 25 October 1952 – 14 February 1953.[106]
  • For service 10 September 1952 – 27 April 1954, Brigadier General Shim On Bong of the Republic of Korea Army[107]
  • For service August 1953 – March 1955, Major General Chang Kuk Chang of the Republic of Korea Army[107]
  • In 1957, Colonel Stig Wennerström was made an Officer of the Legion for serving as an air attaché in Washington, D.C. from 1952 to 1957.[108]
  • In 1959, Major General Mian Ghulam Jilani was made an Officer of the Legion for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, from October 1952 to June 1955.[109]
  • In 1960 Major General Mian Hayaud Din was made an Officer of the Legion for his role as Chief of the Pakistan Military Mission to the United States from 1955 to 1960.[110]
  • In 1973 "by Direction of the President, Major General Liu Wan-Tsai, Chinese Air Force, [was] awarded the Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) for exceptionally meritorious service as Air Attache, Embassy of the Republic of China, Washington, D.C., from 4 April 1969 to 27 July 1972."
  • In 1996, Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire of the Canadian Army was made an Officer of the Legion for his role as Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Rwanda during the civil war and subsequent genocide.[111]
  • On 18 December 1980 Major General Shlomo Inbar, Israel Army, was made an Officer of the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the outstanding performance of duties as Defense and Armed Forces Attache, Embassy of Israel to the United States of America, from July 1977 to August 1980.
  • In 2000, Lieutenant General Danfer G. Suarez was made an Officer of the Legion "Exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as the Peruvian Air Attache from 1997 to 1998.
  • In 2006, Lieutenant General Nick Houghton, British Army, "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Iraq."[112]
  • In 2007, Lieutenant General Sir Robert Fry, Royal Marines, "in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during coalition operations in Iraq.
  • Lieutenant General Tariq Khan became the fourth Pakistani officer to receive the award for meritorious services as a liaison officer at CENTCOM during Operations Enduring Freedom (December 9, 2007).
  • In 2008, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy Head of the Royal Air Force, for his part in Operation Telic / Operation Iraqi Freedom.[113]
  • Lieutenant General Sir James Dutton, Royal Marines, "in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Afghanistan".[114]
  • Major General Colin Boag, British Army, "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Iraq" (March 2008).[115]
  • Lieutenant General James Bucknall, British Army, "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Iraq" (July 2009).[116]
  • Major General Mohamed Elkeshky, Egyptian Army Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attaché to the United States. (2013).[117]
  • In 2011, Vice Admiral Tomohisa Takei, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, "as recognition for Takei's exceptional leadership and expertise in maturing and expanding the JMSDF and U.S. Navy partnership during his role as director of operations and plans department, JMSDF Maritime Staff Office from April 2008 to July 2010".[118]
  • In 2013, Lieutenant General Walter Souza Braga Netto, Brazilian Army, Military Attaché to the United States of America. "For exceptionally meritous conduct in the performance of outstanding services from March 2011 to May 2013.
  • In 2014, Air Commodore David Best, United Kingdom Royal Air Force. "For exceptionally meritorious service as Director of Air Operations, International Security Assistance Force, from December 2010 to December 2011".
  • In 2014, Major General Brett Cairns, Canadian Air Force, NORAD J3. "For exceptionally meritorious service as Director of Operations, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from May 2005 to August 2008."[119]
  • In 2016, Brigadier General Paul Rutherford, Canadian Army, United States Central Command. "For exceptionally meritorious service as Deputy Director, Strategy, Plans and Policy Military to Military, Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, from August 2013 to August 2015."[120]
  • in 2018, Commodore Alok Bhatnagar, Nausena Medal, Indian Navy. "For Exceptionally Meritorious Conduct in the Performance of Outstanding Service as the Indian Naval Attache to United States of America from August 2011 to December 2014.
  • In 2018, Air Commodore A. P. T. Smith (UK).[121]
  • In 2018, Air Commodore Stephen Lushington (UK). For exceptionally meritorious service, NATO Forces, Afghanistan.[122]
  • In 2019, Brigadier General Suzanne Melotte, For exceptionally meritorious service NATO Forces, Afghanistan.
  • In 2023, Commodore Adrian C Fryer Royal Navy (UK). For exceptionally meritorious service and leadership as Deputy Commander and Commander, Combined Maritime Forces.

Legionnaire[edit]

When the Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is awarded without reference to degree. However, the medal and ribbon of the fourth degree (Legionnaire) are used for members of the Armed Forces of the United States.[123]

The US Army and US Air Force do not authorize the "V" Device for the Legion of Merit. The U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps,[124] and the United States Coast Guard do.[125]

The first U.S. Armed Forces recipient of the Legion of Merit medal was World War II combat veteran Lieutenant, junior grade, Ann Bernatitus, U.S.N., one of the "Angels of Bataan" and the only U.S. Navy nurse to escape from Bataan and Corregidor during the war.[126][127] She was also the first person authorized to wear the "V" Device with the award.[128] Her medal is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Keegan, John (1989). The Second World War. Penguin Books. pp. 421 & 433. ISBN 978-0-14-303573-2.
  2. ^ "103rd Congress (1993–1994)". Congressional Record: S12295. [permanent dead link]
  3. ^ a b c "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. November 26, 1947. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  4. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. October 7, 1947. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  5. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. March 11, 1948. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  6. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. January 4, 1949. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. April 14, 1949. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  8. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. November 10, 1949. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. December 30, 1949. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  10. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. May 24, 1950. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  11. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. February 14, 1951. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  12. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. April 4, 1951. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  13. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. August 9, 1951. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  14. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. September 25, 1951. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  15. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. October 24, 1951. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  16. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. January 15, 1952. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  17. ^ "Individual Awards". Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. March 13, 1952. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  18. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. April 23, 1952. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  19. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. May 29, 1952. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  20. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. August 6, 1952. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  21. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. October 4, 1952. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  22. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. November 28, 1952. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  23. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. August 4, 1953. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  24. ^ a b "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. November 3, 1953. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  25. ^ "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. March 8, 1954. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  26. ^ Office of the Historian, ed. (January 19, 1955). "Progress Report by the Operations Coordinating Board to the National Security Council". FRUS.
  27. ^ "Marcos Perez Jimenez – Legion of Merit". valor.militarytimes.com.
  28. ^ a b Sharma, Satinder (2007). Services Chiefs of India. Northern Book Centre. p. 49. ISBN 978-81-7211-162-5. Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Google Books.
  29. ^ "Senussi Letaiwish – Legion of Merit". valor.militarytimes.com.
  30. ^ "CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD | Honours and Awards | The Gazette". Archived from the original on 2021-09-02.
  31. ^ "President Donald J. Trump is Awarding the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander". whitehouse.gov – via National Archives.
  32. ^ "Trump Awards Morrison with Top Military Honor". The Australian.
  33. ^ "Outgoing Trump fetes Morocco king, rallies behind claim". msn.com. AFP. January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  34. ^ "M King awarded Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, by US President". Bahrain News Agency. 19 January 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  35. ^ {{subst:Letter White House from Franklin Roosevelt}}
  36. ^ "No. 36271". The London Gazette (Supplement). December 3, 1943. p. 5284.
  37. ^ "United States Department of State / Foreign relations of the United States. Conferences at Malta and Yalta, 1945 III. The Yalta Conference (1945)". p. 558.
  38. ^ "No. 36915". The London Gazette (Supplement). January 30, 1945. p. 640.
  39. ^ a b c d "Individual Awards" (PDF). Army Publishing Directorate. Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. December 3, 1947. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  40. ^ "Legion of Merit, Commander, USA". Imperial War Museums.
  41. ^ "Vyznamenání". 20 September 2020.
  42. ^ "No. 37442". The London Gazette (Supplement). January 22, 1946. p. 651.
  43. ^ Citation for the Legion of Merit, The National Archives WO373/147
  44. ^ The London Gazette, Supplement 37686. 13 August 1946. Page 4105.
  45. ^ "Amerikansk Utmäkelse Till Nordenskiöld" [American Award to Nordenskiöld] (in Swedish). Tidningarnas Telegrambyrå. 9 July 1946. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  46. ^ "Photo Record". Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center. June 4, 1948. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  47. ^ "No. 43434". The London Gazette (Supplement). September 11, 1964. p. 7765.
  48. ^ "Högre militära utnämningar". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 23 September 1955. p. 4A. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  49. ^ "Foreign Gen. Keizo Hayashi, chief of staff of Japan's self-defense forces, today was awarded the Legion of Merit in the degree of commander by the United States". Tucson Daily Citizen. November 10, 1958. p. 12. The presentation was made by U. S. Ambassador Douglas MacArthur II at a reception in honor of the Japanese commander in the American Embassy in Tokyo. Hayashi, a civilian during World War II, was the first Japanese to receive the medal.
  50. ^ "Count Thord Bonde: Awards and Citations". www.valor.militarytimes.com. Military Times. December 4, 1959. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  51. ^ "Chefen för marinen". Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). 5 April 1963. p. 22A. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  52. ^ "Skott på Rapp". Göteborgs Handels- och Sjöfartstidning (in Swedish). 14 April 1965. p. 12. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  53. ^ "Den neutrale". Arbetar-Tidningen (in Swedish). 1965-04-23. p. 2. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  54. ^ Stewart, William (2009). Admirals of the World: A Biographical Dictionary, 1500 to the Present. McFarland. p. 85. ISBN 978-0-7864-8288-7. Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Google Books.
  55. ^ "ÖB på vift". Göteborgs-Tidningen (in Swedish). 20 January 1980. p. 11. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  56. ^ Künker, Fritz Rudolf. "Künker Auktion 192 – Russische Münzen und Medaillen Orden und Ehrenzeichen mit interessanten Serien aus europäischem Privatbesitz" (in German). GmbH & Co. KG. pp. 343–344.
  57. ^ "No. 54763". The London Gazette (Supplement). May 13, 1997. p. 5628.
  58. ^ "Vice Admiral Don Chalmers AO (Retd.)". Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  59. ^ Cole, Daniel (July 23, 2013). "US Army Europe awards retired German general US Legion of Merit medal for 41 years of service". U.S. Army Europe.
  60. ^ Bivera, Johnny. "Adm. Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), presents Vice Adm. Yedidia Ya'ari, Commander in Chief, Israel Navy, with the Legion of Merit". Navy News Service. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
  61. ^ "C Navy awarded US Legion of Merit Medal". Navy News. XVII (4): 8. 2008.
  62. ^ "AF welcomes Japanese chief of staff". Bolling.af.mil. August 20, 2008.
  63. ^ "Generalstabschef Entacher erhält hohe US-Auszeichnung" [Chief of the General Staff Entacher receives a high US award]. Austrian Armed Forces (in German). Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  64. ^ Katz, Yaakov. "IAF chief awarded Legion of Merit by USAF commander". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  65. ^ "U.S. Legion of Merit presented to RCAF officer". Royal Canadian Air Force. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  66. ^ ""Legion of Merit" kitüntetést vehetett át dr. Benkő Tibor vezérezredes". honvedelem.hu (in Hungarian). Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  67. ^ Gustafsson, Torbjörn F (10 September 2012). "Kadetter fick värdefulla råd av amerikansk general" (in Swedish). Swedish Armed Forces. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  68. ^ "Today we bid farewell..." United States Forces Korea. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2021 – via Facebook.
  69. ^ https://ratchakitcha2.soc.go.th/pdfdownload/?id=1988708
  70. ^ Sprenkle, Mikki (December 11, 2013). "General Ray Odierno, Chief of Staff, Army, visits with Indian counterpart General Bikram Singh". U.S. Army. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  71. ^ "Indian Army Chief of Staff Visits with United States Army Chief of Staff". U.S. Army. December 6, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  72. ^ "General Bikram Singh awarded the US's 'Legion of Merit'". The Times of India (Economic Times). December 10, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  73. ^ "Tunisian general takes part in JBM-HH and ANC ceremonies". www.army.mil.
  74. ^ "Chairman of the Military Committee discusses Euro-Atlantic Security Architecture and the importance of a solid Transatlantic Bond". NATO. October 4, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  75. ^ "Royal Canadian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Norman receives Legion of Merit". The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
  76. ^ a b "Visit of CHOD to USA". mod.gov.ge – News.
  77. ^ Dawn.com (17 March 2017). "Naval Chief presented Legion of Merit during US visit".
  78. ^ "Freihat visits United States". Hala Akhbar (in Arabic). Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  79. ^ "Kuwait land forces commander visits US Army Central headquarters". www.army.mil.
  80. ^ ""Skvěle vedl vojáky NATO". Generál Petr Pavel dostal nejvyšší americké vojenské vyznamenání | Aktuálně.cz". 10 March 2018.
  81. ^ APP (12 March 2018). "Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman accorded with US Legion Of Merit".
  82. ^ "biography of the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania". Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  83. ^ "Chairman Presents Legion of Merit to Lithuanian Defense Chief". Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  84. ^ Sura, Ajay (19 August 2018). "General Suhag awarded US 'Legion of Merit'". The Times of India. TNN. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  85. ^ "Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dunford's Meeting with Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces Gen. Riho Terras". www.jcs.mil. 13 November 2018.
  86. ^ "Dunford Presents Legion of Merit to Japanese Counterpart". U.S. Department of Defense. 2019-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  87. ^ "Full Honors Arrival Ceremony". www.dvidshub.net. 4 June 2019.
  88. ^ CAMP SMITH, Hawaii (June 18, 2019)Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presents the Legion of Merit to Gen. Pornpipat Benyasri, for his outstanding service as Chief of Defense forces for the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Thailand is America’s oldest ally in the region, and this visit demonstrates the two nations commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
  89. ^ https://twitter.com/CJTFOIR/status/1156257100638633984
  90. ^ Francis, Catrina, ed. (6 February 2020). "Gen. McConville awards Legion of Merit to Indonesian counterpart" (PDF). Pentagram. Vol. 64, no. 5. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  91. ^ The U.S. Secretary of Defense has awarded the Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) to H.E. Air Chief Marshal Johm Rungswang, Privy Councilor to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and Former Royal Thai Air Force Commander in Chief, for his steadfast support of the U.S.-Thai alliance. The prestigious award was presented by Ambassador Michael George DeSombre at the Ambassador’s residence on September 14.
  92. ^ General Narongpan, Chief of Army, Royal Thai Army visits the Pentagon. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
  93. ^ "Legion of Merit Medal".
  94. ^ "Legion of Merit Medal". Twitter. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  95. ^ Engelbrektson, Karl (19 December 2022). "Ikväll blev jag mycket överraskad..." (in Swedish). Swedish Army. Retrieved 13 April 2023 – via Facebook.
  96. ^ "Head of UK Armed Forces honoured with United States' highest distinction for foreigners". Forces Net. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  97. ^ Matthews, Phil (June 20, 1960). "W. E. Fairbairn – The Legendary Instructor". CQB Services. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  98. ^ "William E. Fairbairn". Badass of The Week. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  99. ^ "No. 37639". The London Gazette (Supplement). July 2, 1946. p. 3445.
  100. ^ Stevens, David; Swinden, Greg (2007). "Knight, Alfred Victor (1897–1983)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  101. ^ "Recommendation for Award for Colonel Valentine Patrick Terrel Vivian". The National Archives. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  102. ^ "No. 37909". The London Gazette (Supplement). March 18, 1947. p. 1312.
  103. ^ "No. 38405". The London Gazette (Supplement). September 14, 1948. p. 5037.
  104. ^ "Obituary: Air Commodore Leonard Birchall". The Daily Telegraph. September 18, 2004.
  105. ^ "Army Publishing Directorate" (PDF).
  106. ^ https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/go5372.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  107. ^ a b "Army Publishing Directorate" (PDF).
  108. ^ Curry, Brack (8 April 1964). "Swedish Official Faces Spy Charges on Saturday". The Journal Standard. Stockholm. AP. p. 17. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  109. ^ "Valor awards for Mian Ghulam Jilani". Military Times Hall of Valor. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  110. ^ World Who's who in Commerce and Industry, Volume 14. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1965. p. 340.
  111. ^ Carrey, N. (May 2012). "Interview with Senator Roméo Dallaire". Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 21 (2): 147–152. PMC 3338181. PMID 22548112.
  112. ^ "No. 58183". The London Gazette (Supplement). December 15, 2006. p. 17361.
  113. ^ "RAF Benson – News". Royal Air Force. January 22, 2007. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  114. ^ "No. 59554". The London Gazette (Supplement). September 24, 2010. pp. 18539–18540.
  115. ^ "No. 58633". The London Gazette (Supplement). March 7, 2008. p. 3619.
  116. ^ "No. 59133". The London Gazette (Supplement). July 21, 2009. p. 12503.
  117. ^ https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/go1375.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  118. ^ "Commander, US Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd awards the Legion of Merit to Vice Adm. Tomohisa Takei of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force". Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. May 17, 2011. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  119. ^ "Awards to Canadians". Canada Gazette. 148 (26). June 28, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  120. ^ "Awards to Canadians". Canada Gazette. 150 (5). January 30, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
  121. ^ "Royal Air Force". Royal Air Force.
  122. ^ "CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD". www.thegazette.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-02-04.
  123. ^ History of the Medical Department of the United States Navy in World War II, A Compilation of the Killed, Wounded and Decorated Personnel. Vol. 2. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1953. p. 112.
  124. ^ "Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Get 'V'". Marine Corps Chevron. 5 (13): 1. April 11, 1946. (referencing Dept. of the Pacific, Departmental Memorandum No. 11-46)
  125. ^ Ostrom, T. P.; Galluzzo, J. J. (2015). "Awards of Adm. John B. Hayes (USCG)". United States Coast Guard Leaders and Missions, 1790 – Present. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland and Company, Inc. p. 119.
  126. ^ "Nurse Gets Legion of Merit". Lone Sentry Blog. November 28, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  127. ^ All Hands Magazine, November 1942
  128. ^ "Valor awards for Ann A. Bernatitus". Military Times Hall of Valor. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  129. ^ "CENTCOM Deputy Abizaid Nominated as Next Commander". American Forces Press Service. June 18, 2003. Archived from the original on December 11, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  130. ^ Mormino, Gary R. (July 18, 2010). "Remembering Frank Adamo: Doctor and war hero". Tampa Tribune.
  131. ^ a b c d e "Five Army Nurses Win the Legion of Merit". New York Times. 18 June 1943.
  132. ^ "Photographic Collection of Vice Admiral Bernard L. Austin". Naval Historical Center. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  133. ^ Taft, William H. (1986). Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Journalists. New York, New York: Routledge. p. 20.
  134. ^ "President Roosevelt awards the Legion of Merit to 32 British and 31 French officers". L'Écho d'Alger (in French). 21 August 1943. Maj. Gen. Commanding Officer, 3rd African Chasseurs (1942–1943), Tunisia Campaign
  135. ^ Peters, Gerhard; Woolley, John T. (May 10, 1960). "Citation Accompanying Award of Legion of Merit to Captain Edward L. Beach, USN". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  136. ^ "Oral Histories: Recollections of Capt. Ann Bernatitus, NC, USN, (Ret.), recounting her service in the Philippines including Bataan, evacuation from Corregidor on USS Spearfish (SS-190); and service on USS Relief (AH-1) during the Okinawa campaign and the return of American prisoners of war from Japanese-occupied China". Naval Heritage and History Command. Archived from the original on November 21, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  137. ^ "Who Was John Birch?". TIME. April 14, 1961. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009.
  138. ^ "Deborah L. Birx, M.D." U.S. Department of State.
  139. ^ Rininger, Tyson (2009). F-15 Eagle at War. MBI Publishing Company. p. 22. ISBN 978-1-61673-269-1 – via Google Books.
  140. ^ Sharp, Delia Louise (Larson) (1960). Why teach? Author. Holt. p. 15.
  141. ^ "Medal of Honor, Interim 1920–1940, Full-Text Citations". U.S. Army. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  142. ^ "Departed Divers". Navy Divers Association.
  143. ^ "Biography – Admiral Joseph James Clark, USN". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  144. ^ "Daniel L. Coberly". Hall of Valor.
  145. ^ Wise, James E.; Rehill, Anne Collier (2007). Stars in Blue: Movie Actors in America's Sea Services. Naval Institute Press. p. 142. ISBN 978-1-59114-944-6. Retrieved June 30, 2014 – via Google Books.
  146. ^ Santiago, Tony. "Modesto Cartagena Hero of the Korean War dies" (PDF). El Boricua. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  147. ^ "Elmer Collings Obituary (1929 - 2018) Deseret News". Legacy.com.
  148. ^ Bureau of Navigation News Bulletin. U.S. Navy. 1945. p. 62.
  149. ^ "General Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr". U.S. Air Force. Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  150. ^ "Valor awards for George Everett "Bud" Day". Military Times Hall of Valor. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  151. ^ Unknown (4 July 2018). "[Michael DeBakey receiving the Legion of Merit Award from Surgeon General Norman Thomas Kirk]". profiles.nlm.nih.gov.
  152. ^ Jordan Jr., William S., "John Holmes Dingle, 1908–1973", National Academy of Sciences
  153. ^ "William Diver, Noted Linguist, Is Dead at 74". Columbia University Record. 21 (8). October 27, 1995. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  154. ^ Saller, Jean (December 19, 2011). "Residents receive Legion of Merit Award". Daily Herald. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  155. ^ "Rewarded for Courage, Patriotism". US Army Signal Corps. Cairo, Egypt. March 17, 1945. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  156. ^ "Major General Sharon K. G. Dunbar". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved September 27, 2013.
  157. ^ Taft, William H. (1986). Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Journalists. New York, New York: Routledge. p. 102. Lt. Col. photojournalist WWII, also 3 Air Medals.
  158. ^ "No. 37757". The London Gazette (Supplement). October 11, 1946. p. 5077.
  159. ^ "Brigadier-General Herbert W. Ehrgott". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  160. ^ "USA and Foreign Decorations of Dwight D. Eisenhower". Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and & Museum. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  161. ^ New York Times, December 7, 1943.
  162. ^ "November 26th, 1943". FDR: Day by Day. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  163. ^ Tillman, Barrett (2014). US Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons of World War II. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 172. ISBN 978-1-78200-953-5. Also awarded Medal of Honor.
  164. ^ "Notable Alumni". Lambda Chi Alpha, Omicron Zeta chapter, Cornell. Lt. Gen. (USAF) (Cornell '40), former Director Atlas ICBM Program, also, Distinguished Service Medal.
  165. ^ "Rear-Admiral Nicholas Goodhart". The Daily Telegraph. April 22, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  166. ^ "Valor Awards for John F. Goodman". Military Times Hall of Valor. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  167. ^ "The Registry of the American Soldier".
  168. ^ Taft, William H. (1986). Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Journalists. New York, New York: Routledge. p. 134. Major, Army Air Force, WWII, publisher and president Washington Post.
  169. ^ "Valor awards for Charles M. Gurganus". Military Times Hall of Valor.
  170. ^ "David Hackworth". Armed Forces Journal International. 104 (1–26). 1966.
  171. ^ "Admiral John C. Harvey, Jr., BS, MPA, MSM, BS, LM, DSM, DDSM". New Westminster College. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  172. ^ Ostrom, T. P.; Galluzzo, J. J. (2015). United States Coast Guard Leaders and Missions, 1790 – Present. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 118–120.
  173. ^ Cudnik, Brian (2012). Faint Objects and How to Observe Them. Springer Verlag. p. 39. ISBN 978-1-4419-6756-5.
  174. ^ Taft, William H. (1986). Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Journalists. New York, New York: Routledge. p. 171.
  175. ^ "Valor awards for Bobby Ray Inman". Military Times Hall of Valor.
  176. ^ McCauley, Phillip Martin (2010). WWII Medal of Honor Recipients. Raleigh, North Carolina: Lulu.com. p. 337.
  177. ^ "Carlton W. Kent, 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps". U.S. Marine Corps. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  178. ^ "Biography: Congressman John Kline". Education and the Workforce Committee. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  179. ^ "Advanced Search... Military Times Hall Of Valor". valor.militarytimes.com.
  180. ^ "Col. Gary E. Lambert (USMCR)". lambertpatentlaw.com. Veteran Operation Desert Storm.
  181. ^ "Brigadier General Wayne W. Lambert". MilitaryBios.com. Brig. Gen. (USAF), also Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and 10 awards of the Air Medal, Vietnam War veteran.
  182. ^ "USS Norris Ship's Captains: LeBourgeois 1959–61". USS Norris.
  183. ^ "2013 Honorees: Major General Caroll LeTellier". The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. 27 year career U.S. Army, Major General, Corps of Engineers, BS in civil engineering '49 and Doctorate in Civil Engineering (Honoris causa) '99.
  184. ^ "Our Champaigns – Our Candidate – L. Scott Lingamfelter". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  185. ^ "USS Cole Commander Kirk Lippold, US Navy (Ret.)". Phillip Stutts & Company. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  186. ^ "Patrol gunboat is latest addition to Navy's inventory". Navy Today. 003–11 (1): 4. January 2011.
  187. ^ Associated Press (September 24, 1945). "Joe Louis Received the Legion of Merit". The Lewiston Daily Sun. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  188. ^ Legion of Merit – John McCain  – via Wikisource. [scan Wikisource link]
  189. ^ Legion of Merit second award – John McCain  – via Wikisource. [scan Wikisource link]
  190. ^ "Charles Edward McGee". The National Aviation Hall of Fame.
  191. ^ "Valor awards for Robert McGowan Littlejohn". Military Times Hall of Valor.
  192. ^ "Valor awards for Daniel Christopher McKinnon". Military Times Hall of Valor.
  193. ^ Schmicker, Michael (2002). Best Evidence. San Jose, CA: Writers Club Press. p. 78. ISBN 978-0-595-21906-3.
  194. ^ Lillich, R. B.; Moore, J. O. (eds.). "Biographical Description of Authors". International Law Studies. 62: 729–736.
  195. ^ Reynolds, Clark G. (2002). Famous American Admirals (1st Naval ed.). Naval Institute Press. p. 215. ISBN 978-1-55750-006-9.
  196. ^ "McNulty, William A." TracesOfWar.com.
  197. ^ "Davidson succeeds as Annapolis suppt". Newsweek. 55: 90. April 11, 1960.
  198. ^ "Jill Morgenthaler". 21 December 2016.
  199. ^ "Statement of Senator John Warner" (PDF). Nominations of Adm. Michael G. Mullen, USN, for reappointment to the grade of Admiral and to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Gen. James E. Cartwright, USMC, for reappointment to the grade of General and to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Committee on Armed Services, US Senate. July 31, 2007. p. 903. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  200. ^ "Valor awards for Carl E. Mundy III". Military Times Hall of Valor.
  201. ^ "Military Decorations of Audie Murphy List". Audie Murphy Research Foundation. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  202. ^ "Legion of Merit". The Hall of Valor Project. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  203. ^ "Legion of Merit". The Hall of Valor Project. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  204. ^ 100 Years of the Rhode Island Superior Court. Rhode Island Superior Court. 2005.
  205. ^ https://army.togetherweserved.com
  206. ^ "No. 37340". The London Gazette (Supplement). November 6, 1945. p. 5461.
  207. ^ "Merlin O'Neill". Commandants of the U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard Historians Office. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  208. ^ "Sheriff Susan L. Pamerleau". Bexar County, Texas. Archived from the original on 2015-12-25. Retrieved 2015-10-14. Sheriff Parmerleau retired from the USAF at the rank of major general. Some of her military decorations are in order of precedence the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
  209. ^ "Major General Susan L. Pamerleau". U.S. Air Force.
  210. ^ Linse, Tamara (September 2013). "A Lifetime of Dedicated Service: Sheriff Susan Lewellyn Pamerleau, Major General (Ret.)". University of Wyoming. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  211. ^ Wilfred L. Painter, NHHC website, Seabee Museum Archive, Port Hueneme, CA, Jan. 31, 2020 [1]
  212. ^ "Valor awards for Robert J. Papp, Jr". Military Times Hall of Valor. Admiral (USCG), US Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT '75, 3 for War on Terrorism.
  213. ^ "Ribbons and Devices of Patton's Major Decorations". The Patton Society. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  214. ^ "Major General David E. Quantock, The Provost Marshal General of the Army" (PDF). U.S. Army.
  215. ^ "Major General L. Scott Rice". 104th Fighter Wing, Illinois Air National Guard. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  216. ^ "Admiral Hyman G. Rickover". Biographies in Naval History. Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  217. ^ "Captain Paul X. Rinn, USN 1968–1998". Surface Navy Association. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  218. ^ Friend, Melinda K. "Thomas H. Robbins A Register of His Papers in the Naval Historical Foundation Collection in the Library of Congress" (PDF). Manuscript Division, Library of Congress. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  219. ^ Moore, Molly (April 23, 1990). "Two Vincennes Officers Get Medals". The Washington Post.
  220. ^ The New York Times. October 12, 1944.
  221. ^ Emley, Linda. "First Iwo Jima photo hit home; the second touched a national nerve". Richmond Daily News. Richmond, Missouri. Lt. Harold G. Schreier (USMC) directed the raising of the first American Flag over Iwo Jima. Later, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, he rallied his men to hurl back a banzai charge of Imperial Japanese forces. The 29 year old Lieutenant was awarded the Navy Cross and the Silver Star for his actions during the battle. He had already been awarded three Purple Hearts and the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his actions at Battle of Guadalcanal where he sneaked ashore into enemy saturated positions on the island prior to the battle and gathered intel on and relayed information about enemy gun forces to landing U.S. forces. After a long career with the Corps, Harold retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He died on June 3, 1971. He was also awarded a Bronze Star Medal with valor device for his actions during the Korean War at the Battle of Pusan Perimeter.
  222. ^ "Hall of Valor".
  223. ^ "VADM Benedict SEMMES". TogetherWeServed. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  224. ^ "James E. Service, VADM, USN (Ret.)" (PDF). Epnaao.com.
  225. ^ Levin, Carl, ed. (2010). Nominations Before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Second Session, 110th Congress: Hearings Before the Committee on Armed Services, U. S. Senate. Diane Publishing. p. 98. ISBN 978-1-4379-1423-8.
  226. ^ Petty, Dan (July 16, 2013). "Rear Admiral Jacob Lawrence Shuford, President, Naval War College". U.S. Navy. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  227. ^ Halberstam, David (June 10, 1984). "The Bravest Man I Know". Parade Magazine. Slavich was awarded a fourth Legion of Merit the day he retired from the U.S. Army; however, that award was not noted in the DD-214.
  228. ^ "Russell L. Smith, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy". U.S. Navy. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  229. ^ Fearing, Sarah (28 July 2021). "NAS Oceana staple, Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot Dale Snodgrass dies in plane crash NAVY". Wavy.com. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  230. ^ O'Berry, Valerie (April 18, 2017). "Quantico honored by hosting Lt. Gen. Lawrence Snowden's memorial service". Quantico Sentry. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  231. ^ "Admiral James G. Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, Commander, U.S. European Command". U.S. Navy. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  232. ^ "October 2004: Honoring Guggenheim, Celebrating Stevens". National Archives. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  233. ^ "Navy Rewards Work of Lewis Strauss". The New York Times. September 8, 1944. p. 7.
  234. ^ U.S. Coast Guard Book of Valor. Washington, DC: Public Relations Division. May 1945. Capt. (USCG), commanding icebreaker above Arctic Circle repeatedly landed forces in North Greenland that destroyed WWII Nazi installations and captured enemy trawler.
  235. ^ Taft, William H. (1986). Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Journalists. New York, New York: Routledge. pp. 342–343. Founder Smithsonian Magazine, Army Air Force WWII.
  236. ^ "Valor awards for John Royster Thurman III". Military Times Hall of Valor. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  237. ^ "Lt. Gen. John R. Thurman, III". geni.com. 11 April 1924. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  238. ^ "Rear Admiral Joseph E. Tofalo, Commander, Submarine Group 10". U.S. Navy. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
  239. ^ "Katherine A. Towle, UC Dean, Officer in Marines". Los Angeles Times. March 8, 1986. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  240. ^ "Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Maj. Gen. Michael S. Tucker (US)". International Security Assistance Force. January 29, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  241. ^ "George R. Tweed, 86; Eluded Foe on Guam". The New York Times. January 19, 1989. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  242. ^ "Dave Wallace". Arkansas House of Representatives. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  243. ^ "Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet". U.S. Navy. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  244. ^ Stubbs, Nick. "Ex-Special Forces members drop into Tampa, MacDill". MacDill Air Force Base. Archived from the original on February 27, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  245. ^ "General Mark Welsh". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  246. ^ "Brigadier General Adriel N. Williams". U.S. Air Force. June 1988. Archived from the original on December 12, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  247. ^ "Front & Center with John Callaway: The Politics of War". Pritzker Military Museum & Library. Captain (USNR) retired, 30 years commissioned service, BA Grinnell College, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, professor of political science at University of Loyola, Chicago.
  248. ^ Pawlyk, Oriana (2016-05-07). "Air Guardsman donates $1 million to refugees, children in war-torn countries". Air Force Times. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  249. ^ Prados, John; Stubbe, Ray W. (2004). Valley of Decision (1st ed.). Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. p. 192. ISBN 978-1-59114-696-4.
  250. ^ Stewart, William (2009). Admirals of the World: A Biographical Dictionary, 1500 to the Present. McFarland. p. 290. ISBN 978-0-7864-3809-9.
  251. ^ "Harold A. Zahl, Director, 1949". Proceedings of the IRE. 37 (5). IEEE: 466. May 1949. doi:10.1109/JRPROC.1949.232321.
  252. ^ Langer, Emily (December 29, 2011). "James A. Zimble, Navy surgeon general, dies at 78". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2013.