The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James M. Mead (MCSN: 0-73315), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Thirty-Second Marine Amphibious Unit from 6 June 1982 to 10 September 1982. Colonel Mead was intimately involved in the planning for and conduct of, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) evacuation operations in Beirut, Lebanon. On 25 August 1982, he led the Thirty-Second Marine Amphibious Unit shore in the Port of Beirut. This operation resulted in the cessation of armed conflict between Israel and Syrian Palestine Liberation Organization Forces; a mission of great importance both nationally and internationally. As the Commander of United States Forces ashore, Lebanon, and the United States contingent of the multinational force, he distinguished himself by outstanding leadership which contributed significantly to the successful evacuation of over 6,400 Syrian and PLO combatants through the Port of Beirut. The evacuation operation was conducted without a casualty or incident and was indicative of the high state of training and readiness of the units under his command. Colonel Meade’s outstanding leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.