The  President  of  the  United States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the  LEGION OF MERIT to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For exceptional  meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding  service with  Marine Aircraft Group  Sixteen,  First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat  operations against  the enemy in the  Republic of   Vietnam  from  14  June  1969  to  6  June  1970.    Throughout  this  period, Lieutenant Colonel Dunbaugh performed  his demanding duties in an exemplary and  highly professional manner.  Initially  assigned as Group Logistics  Officer, he quickly familiarized himself with  the current tactical situation and initiated a logistics  program  which  ensured  a  consistently  high  level  of  support  to his command.  Reassigned as Commanding Officer of  Marine  Medium  Helicopter Squadron 364  on 23 August 1969,  he molded  his air  and ground  crews  into a well-coordinated force and planned and supervised the execution of hundreds of aerial  missions in support of Marine and other allied  ground units operating in the  I Corps Tactical Zone.  Under  his dynamic  leadership,  his  Squadron com- pleted  thousands of combat sorties,  delivered  tons of cargo  to  forward  areas, and  evacuated  casualties  from even  the  most  hazardous zones  in a safe  and expeditious manner.  In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Dunbaugh was instrumen- tal  in perfecting a concept of reconnaissance  team support involving the coord- inated  actions of fixed-wing aircraft,  helicopter gunships, transport helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft, and initiated several  other aerial innovations which greatly  enhanced   the  operational   effectiveness  of   the  Wing's   helicopters.  Assuming command of Marine Air Base Squadron Sixteen on 26 February 1970, he closely monitored flight  line operations at the Marble Mountain Air Facility, supervised  the  distribution  of  large quantities  of  jet fuel,  and  expanded  his security  force to assume base provost  marshal responsibilities.  Constantly con- cerned  for the  well-being of  his  Marines,  he initiated many  improvements  in living  and working  facilities and  repeatedly disregarded  his own safety  to visit his widely dispersed sub-units and provide assistance wherever needed.  His reso- lute  determination  and seemingly unlimited  resourcefulness earned  the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment  of  his  command's  mission.  By  his  leadership, extraordinary professionalism,   and   unwavering   devotion   to   duty,    Lieutenant   Colonel Dunbaugh  rendered distinguished service to his country  and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.