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 Technician Fifth Grade Joseph P. Wick (ASN: 35008784), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from 4 July to 15 September 1943, on Kokorana, New Georgia, Islands. Technician Fifth Grade Wick not only performed his duties as a machine gunner in a skillful manner, but was responsible for substantially increasing the effectiveness of his weapon. From diverse salvage materials he constructed a twin-gun mount with which his anti-aircraft guns were set up so that they could be fired separately or simultaneously. The device vastly increased fire power and aided materially in the destruction of three enemy airplanes. Technician Fifth Grade Wick also was credited with destroying a Japanese dive bomber on 21 July. He distinguished himself by his eager initiative, leadership and mechanical ability; keeping the morale of his unit at a high level. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Technician Fifth Grade Wick and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.