The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Lawson H. M. Sanderson (MCSN: 0-860), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. From 17 October 1942 to 31 December 1942, Colonel Sanderson served as Operations Officer of the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing at Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands. In this capacity he was charged with the coordination, supervision and tactical employment of all Army, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft based at Guadalcanal. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy bombing, shelling by ground artillery and naval guns, and on some occasions when shells were bursting within a very short distance, when it was necessary to the task at hand. His efficient conduct of the operations of our aircraft, combined with his coolness and devotion to duty under fire have provided an excellent example to all personnel associated with him.