In early February 1970, Biddle held an awards ceremony on the helo deck, recognizing those who received medals and commendations related to the May-December 1969 WESTPAC deployment.
In the photo above, which I believe was taken by an official Navy photographer, the admiral who presided is telling me that this honor is just the start of a brilliant career for me. Actually, no, I’m quite sure he did not say that to me. Though, I remember nothing about what he said.
I was given a Commander U.S. Seventh Fleet Letter of Commendation, “signed” by Vice Admiral William F. Bringle. Compared to the Bronze Star awarded to CAPT Olsen, and the various Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement medals, as well as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, commendations given other officers, my award was, to my mind, on the order of the “leg lamp,” the “major award” won by the dad in A Christmas Story.
Remember, too, I was the guy who had drafted all the award recommendations. I had no intelligence duties on our return voyage and, when the XO found out I had worked on my college and hometown newspaper, he assigned me that task.
UPDATE: I have the letter of commendation. I didn’t find my copy, but I was able to view the microfiche copy in my Navy records. The text of the commendation is: “The Commander Seventh Fleet takes pleasure in commending Ensign William Michael MCDONALD, United States Naval Reserve, for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For outstanding performance of duty while attached to and serving in USS BIDDLE (DLG-34) as Intelligence Officer from 18 June through 24 November 1969 during combat operations against the enemy. Ensign MCDONALD demonstrated exceptional initiative and ability in maintaining and disseminating to the command the vital information on the enemy naval and anti-air order of battle and the dynamic friendly air situation in the Gulf of Tonkin. Ensign MCDONALD’s skill and judgment contributed significantly and directly to the successful accomplishment of the ship’s mission and to the United States’ effort in the Republic of Vietnam.”
I have the commendation, but have not been able to find it. My daughter recently made my office much neater, but, in the process, removed the disorder on which I depended to find things. I’ve often been surprised at the number of times in my life that I have been able to tread into mess and find just what I was looking for. I’m still looking.
A shipmate, I expect, took the color picture of me that day. A little out of focus. This was back in the day when you didn’t know how a photo came out until it was developed, often days, maybe weeks, later.
This was also likely the first time I ever wore my sword, which I had purchased while still at OCS. There was a particular sword length prescribed. When you had the sword in carry position, the point was to be at the middle of your ear opening. I was a pretty short guy at the time (shorter now) so my sword was at the low end, probably 28 inches. At times, especially when among taller officers, I had the feeling that my sword was more like the “sword” you would find occasionally holding club sandwiches together.