I had the honor and privilege to serve many outstanding Naval leaders, but the one that I admired above all others was Admiral Gene Tissot when he was Commanding Officer of USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and I was serving as his Operations Officer in 1971-72.
“In addition to the Silver Star Medal with Gold Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with four Gold Stars, the Legion of Merit with Combat “V,” the Air Medal with five Gold Stars and Numeral 22; the Navy Commendation Medal with four Gold Stars and Combat “V” and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Bronze Star, Captain Tissot has the China Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Korean Service Medal; United nations Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars. He also has the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Badge and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.”
Captain Gene Tissot (right) promoting me to Captain on the bridge of USS Enterprise (CVN-65), 1972.