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 John D. Deaton, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Untied States while assigned to the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, from 1 June 1988 to 19 October 1995. During these periods, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Deaton were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. While Director of Staff Management, Colonel Deaton began process improvements for the Selection, Promotion, and Retention Program. He initiated the Formal Requirements Preparation Program and professionalized Staff Management operations establishing new concepts and practices to better support the personnel needs of the full time force for the 21st Century. During his assignment as Air national Guard Senior Advisor to Director, J8, Joint Chiefs of Staff, he developed significant portions of the Chairman’s Report on Roles and Missions, provided important guidance and advice on the use of Reserve Forces in support of National Objectives and directed a key study for the Chairman and Secretary of Defense on the post Cold War munitions requirements for the Department of Defense. As Chief, Pentagon Move Team, National Guard Bureau, he demonstrated extraordinary professional ability, uncommon technical skill, and adroit decision making in advancing the consolidation of Air and Army National Guard Headquarters functions into a joint operating facility; thereby centralizing National Guard command and control for reporting purposes. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Deaton in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.