The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander (CEC) Jacob M. Boyd (NSN: 0-183476), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Officer-in-Charge of the Base Group assigned the task of establishing Naval shore facilities on Attu Island from 19 May to December 1943. Commander Boyd organized the construction party and commanded the entire Base Group until the commissioning of the regular shore establishment. During the first ten days that the Base Group under his command was on the island of Attu, it was within range of enemy artillery fire and under constant threat of attack by land, sea, and air. Despite the severe handicaps of weather and threatened enemy action, he materially assisted the Task Group Commander in the hazardous and difficult task of landing personnel and supplies and directed the construction of Naval shore facilities. His leadership, initiative, perseverance, and positive action have been largely responsible for the rapid construction of Naval shore facilities at Attu. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.