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 Lieutenant Colonel (General Service Corps) Julius A. Stark (ASN: 0-143760), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services at New Georgia, during the period of 19 July to 6 August 1943, while serving with Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division. During combat operations Lieutenant Colonel Stark as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, of an infantry division, energetically and resourcefully maintained supply, evacuation, ordnance, and engineering services within the division at a high level of efficiency despite inadequate facilities, inclement weather, and the activities of a determined enemy. Although subjected to frequent hostile attacks, supplies to the front-line forces were kept at a steady flow by ingenious use of the division’s armored half-track vehicles, and at least one hit meal was served daily to the fighting men. Before reaching the combat zone, Lieutenant Colonel Stark had equipped quarter-ton vehicles with special little frames, enabling them to transport three wounded soldiers at a time, and reducing substantially the number of litter bearers needed for evacuation purposes. He further conceived and directed the establishment of a division casual camp which handled 791 patients, 659 of whom were restored to duty with their organization. On many occasions he skillfully directed personnel in the efficient performance of tasks other than their regularly assigned ones when conditions warranted such action. This through his manifest initiative, skill, ingenuity, and devoted efficiency this officer contributed inestimably to the success of the combat operations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Stark and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.