The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Sherman W. Wilkins, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Military Assistant to the Director, Operations Analysis, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 2 August 1965 to 15 March 1968. During this period, the dynamic leadership and creative thought evidenced by Colonel Wilkins contributed substantially in the development of a systems analysis approach to complicated and consequential national security matters. The far ranging intelligence, rare tenacity, and zeal applied by Colonel Wilkins have had a profound impact on the current and future role of aerospace power. The singular distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Wilkins culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.