He has also earned the designation of Joint Specialty Officer. Awards Rear Admiral Cothron's awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3 awards), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards) and the Navy Commendation Medal (six awards). Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit with two gold stars Bronze Star Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one silver star References This article incorporates text in the public domain from the United States Navy. 1955 births Living people Middle Tennessee State University alumni Naval War College alumni Recipients of the Legion of Merit United States Navy rear admirals Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal Directors of the Office of Naval Intelligence People from Greenbrier, Tennessee