The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Adjutant General’s Corps) Joseph A. Pongonis, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1955 to October 1964. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Colonel Pongonis for meritorious service during the period 3 April 1961 to 1 October 1964 as announced in General Orders Number 461, Headquarters, United States Army Training Center, Infantry, Fort Dix, New Jersey, dated 1 October 1964.]