The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel John A. Bemis (MCSN: 0-66), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Chief of Staff of the THIRD Amphibious Corps Artillery prior to and during operations on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 January to 21 June 1945. Prior to embarkation, Colonel Bemis worked tirelessly and unceasingly to lead and guide the preparation and training of the command until, despite the necessity for organizing certain new units and readying others recently returned from combat, the day of assault found all units integrated into one efficient fighting team. During the assault, his thorough knowledge of artillery principles and his keen tactical appreciation of the problems peculiar to the type of warfare encountered on Okinawa Shima, were instrumental in the successful delivery of the accurate and devastating fire which played an important part in the subjugation of the enemy. His attention and devotion to duty were an inspiration to the officers and men serving under him and his performance of duty was outstanding. His efforts contributed in a large degree to the smooth and frictionless manner in which the artillery and the Corps worked together as a team of destruction that was dreaded by the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Bemis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel John A. Bemis (MCSN: 0-66), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Chief of Staff or the Commanding General, Corps Artillery, THIRD Amphibious Corps on Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 July 10 to August 1944. In the planning phase of the operation Colonel Bemis worked with indefatigable energy in the organization and training of the command and a highly integrated and compact team was the result. During the entire operation, by his tireless and fearless performance of duty, his outstanding knowledge of artillery capabilities and of the task assigned to them, he was of inestimable assistance to the Commanding General in providing the very highest quality of support to the infantry. His calm good judgment, initiative, and devotion to duty contributed in a great measure to the deliver with precision and dispatch of the effective artillery support so essential to an operation. His personal courage, determination, and outstanding leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Bemis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)