The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain (MC) Harold R. Berk (NSN: 0-78196), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Senior Medical Officer of the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in Korea from 4 May 1953 to 4 December 1953. Responsible for the health and welfare of a major tactical command, Captain Berk strove diligently to protect military personnel from the many diseases prevalent in the forward area. Maintaining close liaison with Korean health agencies and the medical authorities of other services, he instituted a communicable disease control program that effectively protected the health of the command. A highly capable executive, skilled in aviation medicine, he successfully coordinated the activities of eight widely separated medical facilities. His judicious assignment of personnel, equipment and supplies provided optimum care for the sick and wounded and insured the highest standard of health among combat pilots. Captain Berk’s outstanding professional ability and unfailing vigilance in safeguarding the health of the command contributed substantially to the combat effectiveness of the Wing in its operations against the enemy. His exceptional resourcefulness, exemplary conduct and steadfast devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Berk is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)