The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Lawrence C. Bergquist, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with military operations against the enemy as Senior Military Government Officer on the Staff of Commander Marshalls-Gilberts Area, from 1 June 1944 to 25 June 1945. As representative of the Area Commander, he organized, coordinated and administered military government activities affecting over six thousand natives in the Marshalls Group. Under Lieutenant Commander Bergquist’s able leadership and efficient direction, a flourishing native handicraft industry was established, a native labor corps organized, a system of local self-government introduced and effectively administered. Churches and schools were restored and a program of medical care, sanitation and education was vigorously prosecuted. These efforts to promote their welfare and self-sufficiency, after years of Japanese miss-rule, inspired the Marshallese with profound gratitude and loyalty to the United States Government. Lieutenant Commander Bergquist planned and personally directed valuable reconnaissance by Marshallese scouts of enemy held Jaluit Atoll, obtaining valuable intelligence data. His administrative skill, and mature judgment and devotion to duty were material contributing factors in the successful prosecution of the war against the Japanese Empire and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Bergquist is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)