The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Joseph D. Black, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Norway, from August 1963 to January 1965. During this period, Rear Admiral Black performed varied and complex duties of great importance to the United States. Under his guidance, his staff effectively executed all aspects of the U.S. Military Assistance Program to the enhancement of the posture of the military forces of Norway and of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Rear Admiral Black contributed significantly to the attainment of U.S. military assistance objectives in Norway.