The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Joseph Dean Black (NSN: 0-70083), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while assigned as Deputy Commander, Field Command, Defense Automatic Support Agency, Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the period 1 April 1961 to 31 May 1963. Through his outstanding knowledge of nuclear weapons, keen insight into problems relating to permissive devices, and profound judgment in estimating the future operational requirements of the Services, Admiral Black contributed immeasurably to the important field of nuclear weapon command and control. He consistently demonstrated the highest qualities of military leadership as Chairman of the Special Warhead Arming Committee. The thoroughness of the reports and the validity of the findings submitted resulted in the Joint Chiefs of Staff accepting the reports as their initial position with respect to command control of nuclear weapons. Reports of the committee were ultimately used by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense as basic references in formulating policy. Admiral Black’s untiring efforts, enthusiasm, tact and devotion to duty in coordinating matters within Field Command relating to command control of nuclear weapons significantly contributed to enhancing the defense position of the United States and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 to Rear Admiral Joseph Dean Black (NSN: 0-70083), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Chief, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Norway, from August 1963 to January 1965. Admiral Black performed varied and complex duties of great importance to the United States working skillfully with high civilian and military officials of the Government of Norway. Admiral Black exercised outstanding diplomacy in carrying gout his responsibilities and his personal and official relationships with host country officials were always marked by tact, cordiality, confidence and great respect. Under his superior guidance his staff effectively executed all aspects of the U.S. Military Assistance Program to the enhancement of the posture of the military forces of Norway and of the NATO Alliance. Admiral Black’s outstanding devotion to duty and exceptionally meritorious service have contributed significantly to the attainment of U.S. Military Assistance objectives in Norway and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.