The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel John R. Boyd, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, Task Force Alpha, and as Commander, 56th Combat Support Group, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, from 17 April 1972 to 11 April 1973. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Boyd in these two vital positions were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. His unmatched efforts were directly responsible for the development of policies and programs that were major factors in the success of military operations in Southeast Asia. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Boyd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major John R. Boyd, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the Deputy for Effectiveness Test, Air Proving Ground Center, Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, from 15 November 1963 to 30 June 1966. During this period, Major Boyd developed the Energy Maneuverability concept of quantitatively measuring air vehicle performance in terms of total energy available and its relation to the operational maneuverability and efficiency of the vehicle. Energy Maneuverability has gained wide acceptance and is extensively employed throughout the Air Force. Through his own initiative and efforts, Major Boyd has made a significant contribution in the field of aeronautics. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Boyd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel John R. Boyd, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Development Plans and Analysis Group, Directorate of Operational Requirements and Development Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and Development, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 10 May 1973 to 31 August 1975. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Boyd resulted in significant contributions to improvement of development planning, enhancement of tactical combat aircraft forces, initiation of advanced prototype efforts, refinement of the requirements process and the resolution of countless other complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Boyd culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.