The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Captain James Norrie Crocker, Jr. (ASN: 0-53338647), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 16 September 1968 to 8 July 1969, while serving successively as Senior Advisor of Mobile Advisory Team III-1, Advisory Team 91, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and later as District Senior Advisor, Phu Hoa District, Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. Phu Hoa District experienced the most severe threat to the Pacification program of any in the III Corps Tactical Zone, stemming from a firmly implanted Viet Cong infrastructure and from well-organized enemy units operating along dual supply and infiltration routes aimed at Saigon. The truly professional manner in which Captain Crocker discharged the extraordinary responsibilities entrusted to him resulted in a vast improvement in the status of Government of Vietnam control over the population of 25,000, the combat effectiveness of the Regional and Popular Forces, and the extent of the Civic Action program in the district. All of this was due in large measure to Captain Crocker’s enthusiasm, patience, tact and professional expertise as an advisor dedicated to the goals of the American advisory effort, and to his superb leadership of allied forces in combat. Captain Crocker’s enthusiasm, patience, tact and professional expertise as an advisory dedicated to the goals of the American advisory effort, and to his superb leadership of allied forces in combat. Captain Crocker’s selfless commitment to an embattled people ultimately cost him his life during an air assault operation, but his untiring efforts had already turned the tide against further infiltration, and the people of the pivotal district of Phu Hoa were stepping out with confidence on their path toward freedom and prosperity. His integrity and devotion to the noblest ideals of courage and humanity marked Captain Crocker as an outstandingly professional soldier whose self-sacrifice and service to his country stand as unsurpassed examples of devotion to duty and valor. Captain Crocker’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.