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 (Coast Artillery Corps) Lawrence Philip Bischoff, Jr. (ASN: 0-25571), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 19 January 1943 to 28 February 1973, while serving as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Throughout a distinguished military career beginning in World War II and progressing through a succession of command and staff positions of increasing responsibility, Colonel Bischoff demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism, as evidenced during a highly productive, terminal assignment s Chief, Material and Safety Division, United States Army Combat Developments Command Nuclear Agency, Fort Bliss, Texas. As Chief, Materiel and Safety Division, Colonel Bischoff served as representative of the Commander, Combat Developments Command and the Commander, Nuclear Agency, and as the principal United States Army “user” concerned with the development of nuclear warheads for Army weapons systems. Colonel Bischoff’s vast experience and knowledge in the field of nuclear weapon development enabled him to make significant contributions to the Army nuclear weapons development programs. Colonel Bischoff’s achievements and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest standards and most cherished traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army Combat Developments Command and the military service.