The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Air Force Award) to Captain Stephen Jurika, Jr. (NSN: 0-72378), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Naval Liaison Officer, Headquarters, Japan Air Defense Force, from 10 November 1951 to 10 December 1952. Utilizing his extensive knowledge of naval procedures and operations, Captain Jurika supervised the development and implementation of improved joint operating procedures between Japan Air Defense Force and Naval Units within the Far East which markedly increased defense capabilities in the theater. Operating under these procedures, the combined activities of Air Force Units and Naval radar units and aircraft produced an exceptionally secure and coordinated air defense program. The outstanding resourcefulness and sound judgment Captain Jurika applied to the communications phase of these plans resulted in closer co-ordination and increased effectiveness of the different units. A short-tour inter-service exchange plan he devised for Air Force and Naval officers contributed greatly to effective joint operations; and through his diligent efforts and exemplary conduct, he was instrumental in bringing about an outstanding level of co-operative effort between the two services. Through his exceptional initiative, professional ability, and unfaltering devotion to the best interests of the military service, Captain Jurika reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.