The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Arthur S. Born (NSN: 0-61077), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of an aircraft carrier in operations against the enemy during the period 29 June 1944 to 10 April 1945. During this period, his ship participated in the attack on and support of invasion forces, Mariana Islands, July 1944; attack on Western Caroline Islands, July 1944; attack on Philippine shipping and on Central Philippine airfields, November 1944; attack on Luzon and Formosa airfields, on shipping in the South China sea, and on airfields along French Indo-China coast, Canton-Hong Kong area, and Formosa, January 1945; attack on shipping and airfields at Formosa and Nansei Shoto, January 1945; attack on Tokyo Bay area airfields and aircraft factories, on Chichi Jima, Bonin Islands, and in support of invasion forces, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, February 1945; and support of invasion of Okinawa, March/April 1945. After a navy yard overhaul, during which many experienced men were replaced by inexperienced, he ably and quickly reorganized the ship’s company into an efficient fighting team. He organized and supervised Combat Intelligence Center procedure, coordinating its operations with the Gunnery department. His efforts resulted in a high degree of readiness and the effectiveness of the ship’s batteries in meeting enemy air attacks. His outstanding leadership, able administration, and unstinting devotion to duty during continuous combat operations against the enemy were an inspiration to the officers and men and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Born is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)