The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain John T. Bradshaw (MCSN: 0-7231), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Communications Officer of the assault regiment before and during the attack on enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, 20 – 23 November 1943. Captain Bradshaw landed close behind the assault waves and, at all times exposed to enemy fire and with most of the Regimental communications equipment rendered useless by salt water, coolly and tirelessly worked and improvised until communications were established. Then he directed the difficult task of maintaining communications, not only of his own regiment but of succeeding units which were landed, and finally of the entire SECOND Marine Division. By prudent planning and training of his men before the operation and ceaseless efforts and personal valor during the attack, Captain Bradshaw was instrumental in the accomplishment of the mission assigned to the SECOND Marine Division. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Bradshaw is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)