The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Air Defense Artillery) Donald Joseph Jalbert (ASN: 0-26309), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Senior Army Advisor to the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Providence, Rhode Island, from August 1966 to June 1971. During the period, Colonel Jalbert habitually demonstrated impelling leadership, keen perception and a vast depth of knowledge which clearly established him as an officer of unique and diverse ability. During the major reorganization of the Rhode Island Army National Guard in 1968, Colonel Jalbert significantly contributed to the smoothness and efficiency of the transition, through his timely advice and assistance to the senior commanders concerned. Colonel Jalbert greatly enhanced the quality of training of the Rhode Island Officer Candidate School. His erudite recommendations insured that graduates were better qualified than ever before to assume their duties within the units to which assigned. His wide range of knowledge of logistics, administration, communications and operations contributed greatly to the meaningful training and high state of operational readiness which has been achieved by Rhode Island Army National Guard units. Colonel Jalbert’s distinguished performance of duty throughout his military career represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.