The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Royal R. Bastian, Jr. (MCSN: 5994), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion in action against the enemy on Guam, Mariana Islands, 23 July to 10 August 1944. On 6 August 1944, during the advance north from Finegayan toward an objective, Major Bastian’s battalion, as left flank unit of the Division, was confronted by a series of anti-tank road blocks. Realizing that coordination with the Marine brigade unit on the left was vital to the successful advance and the reduction of enemy centers of resistance, he went forward to his front lines and from that position personally directed and controlled each succeeding attack through the day, coordinating his effort with the brigade unit on his left. The example to his men by his display of coolness, courage and calm control, coupled with his effective handling of the components of his attacking force, advanced the attack expeditiously to the objective and maintained the left flank of the regiment secure at all times. His conduct and outstanding performance of duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Major Bastian is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)