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 Captain (Field Artillery) Allan A. Black (ASN: 0-397824), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services while serving with the 135th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in conducting artillery fire in support of an infantry battalion on New Georgia from 26 July to 4 August 1943. During a fierce enemy attack on the night of 30 July, he prepared and adjusted with deadly accuracy the artillery fire which protected the battalion and enabled the men to hold their ground. On 1 August, the Japs attacked again, advancing so close that artillery fire was halted. Captain Black bolstered the strength of the infantry by deploying members of his own party in the lines When the enemy had been driven back an appreciable distance, he subjected them to artillery shelling which forced a full retreat. Three days later he was returning to the command post from the beach where he had adjusted fire on a pocketed Jap force when he encountered the point of an enemy combat patrol. He and his small party engaged the enemy killing seven and alerting infantry troops, who routed the patrol. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Black and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.