The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Jefferson D. Beard (NSN: 0-18365), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Task Units 77.7.1 and 77.10.3 and as Commander Service Squadron FOUR, Service Force, SEVENTH Fleet, from 9 October 1944 to 15 August 1945. By his skillful organization and coordination of all requirements, and despite repeated enemy aerial attacks upon the ships of his unit, he accomplished the fuel replenishment while underway at sea of SEVENTH Fleet ships participating in the Leyte and Lingayen invasion of the Philippine Islands. Through his leadership and administrative ability, he created a smoothly working organization which served the Fleet with maximum efficiency throughout the Philippine Islands and Borneo campaigns. His performance and achievements, far exceeding normal operations, against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific area, were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Beard is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)