- SURNAME
Olson
- FORENAME
Eric Thor
- UNIT
U.S.N. Seal Team 6
- RANK
Captain
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star, Bronze Star with V device, Distinguished Service Medal
- PLACE
Somalia 1993 (SS)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Tacoma,Washington
born 1951-52 Tacoma,Washington
graduated U.S. Naval Academy 1973
graduated Naval Postgraduate School
BUD/S 1974
UDT
Seal Team 6
SDVT
Special Boat Squadron
Commander,Naval Special Warfare Development Group 1994
Commander,Naval Special Warfare Command 1999
Commander,U.S. Special Operations Command 9.7.2007 (Admiral)
awards Navy D.S.M.,Silver Star,Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster,
Legion of Merit,Bronze Star with V device
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Eric Thor Olson, Captain, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of a U.S. Navy SEAL Team, U.S. Naval Special Warfare, assigned to Task Force RANGER, during combat actions in Mogadishu, Somalia, in October 1993. While under withering enemy fire during actions in support of UNOSOM II operations, Captain Olson demonstrated a complete disregard for his own personal safety in the accomplishment of his mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of U.S. Naval Special Warfare operations and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Distinguished Service Medal : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Eric Thor Olson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command from September 1999 to August 2002. Rear Admiral Olson's superior leadership and professional skill were directly responsible for the success enjoyed by Naval Warfare forces, particularly during the Global War on Terrorism. He put into motion Naval Special Warfare-21, an innovative organization and employment arrangement which offered more efficient and effective capability for fleet commanders. Rear Admiral Olson's judicious oversight of scarce financial resources, visionary development of new technologies, and ground-breaking realignment initiatives placed Naval Special Warfare Command at the forefront of Special Operations transformation efforts. Under his leadership, Naval Special Warfare Command significantly increased its operational readiness, deploying combat-ready forces to Navy and Joint operational commanders in over 100 countries and aboard more than 60 ships. The impact of Rear Admiral Olson's superlative performance was immediately apparent from the outset of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, when Naval Special Warfare forces spearheaded United States and coalition combat actions inside Afghanistan, demonstrating unprecedented levels of flexibility and agility. His remarkable enthusiasm, uncompromising standards, and exceptional resourcefulness substantially enhanced every Naval Special Warfare program. Rear Admiral Olson's exemplary leadership skills, distinctive achievements, and unselfish devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Distinguished Service Medal : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Eric Thor Olson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command from September 1999 to August 2002. Rear Admiral Olson's superior leadership and professional skill were directly responsible for the success enjoyed by Naval Warfare forces, particularly during the Global War on Terrorism. He put into motion Naval Special Warfare-21, an innovative organization and employment arrangement which offered more efficient and effective capability for fleet commanders. Rear Admiral Olson's judicious oversight of scarce financial resources, visionary development of new technologies, and ground-breaking realignment initiatives placed Naval Special Warfare Command at the forefront of Special Operations transformation efforts. Under his leadership, Naval Special Warfare Command significantly increased its operational readiness, deploying combat-ready forces to Navy and Joint operational commanders in over 100 countries and aboard more than 60 ships. The impact of Rear Admiral Olson's superlative performance was immediately apparent from the outset of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, when Naval Special Warfare forces spearheaded United States and coalition combat actions inside Afghanistan, demonstrating unprecedented levels of flexibility and agility. His remarkable enthusiasm, uncompromising standards, and exceptional resourcefulness substantially enhanced every Naval Special Warfare program. Rear Admiral Olson's exemplary leadership skills, distinctive achievements, and unselfish devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/56209
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