The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Joseph Ahern (MCSN: 0-6312), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer for a Marine Aircraft Group. Lieutenant Colonel Ahern discharged his responsibilities wisely and with meticulous attention to the operational requirements imposed upon his organization by the invasion of Korea, in the Inchon-Seoul area from 22 September 1950 to 20 October 1950, and in the Yonp’s area from 14 November 1950 to 8 December 1950. He effectively coordinated all pilots and ground crews into a smoothly operating flight schedule. A capable and inspiring staff officer, resourceful and persevering in maintaining combat operations, Lieutenant Colonel Ahern was directly instrumental in developing and sustaining the close air support furnished by Marine aviation, thereby contributed essentially to the success achieved by the X Corps in the invasion and capture of the Inchon-Seoul, Korea, area, and in the operation and successful evacuation at Yonp’s, Korea. He thereby demonstrated an outstanding professional ability in organizing the group’s operations section in order to mount day and night attacks. His skilled service and exemplary conduct throughout this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.