The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain James Earl Boak (NSN: 0-8614), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Lien Number ONE from 1 February to 1 July 1943, engaged in establishing a large and important advanced naval base in the New Hebrides Islands and then in command of this advanced naval base to 1 November 1943. Captain Boak distinguished himself in the organization and envelopment of this advanced naval base in such a manner that this base became an efficient and important unit for the servicing and repair of all types of ships, thus affording our Fleet a focal point which facilitated operations against the enemy. His tireless energy, aggressiveness, excellent judgment and foresight in planning inspired those under him to emulate in themselves those same qualities and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Boak is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Commodore James Earl Boak (NSN: 0-8614), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from March 1944 to the present time, which has contributed materially to the successful operation of Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific Area. His responsibilities included the maintenance of a highly important Naval Base for the supply and repair of fighting ships, and the staging of personnel. By his leadership and administrative ability, he developed an organization which supplied and serviced the fleet with the utmost efficiency. The performance of Commodore Boak, has been of outstanding merit and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.