The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander (Retired) Max I Black (NSN: 0-56831), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Air Control Center and Deputy Commander Aircraft Southern Sector, Western Sea Frontier. Commander Black was responsible for great improvement in the control of large military aircraft training operations and for the precise coordination of facilities used in the rescue of airmen forced down at sea in the Southern California Sector. Through his outstanding organizational ability, his resourcefulness and energy the Air Sea Rescue system established in the Southern California Sector, Western Sea Frontier, was so successful that the lives of 148 Naval and Army airmen were saved in the first year of operation. Commander Black carried out an intensive system of indoctrination of hundreds of aircrewman training in this area which resulted in great improvement in morale and flying safety. His contribution to the war effort reflects great credit on his leadership, initiative, and energy.