The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Bruce Austin Beam (NSN: 0-5120778), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant for Congressional Affairs, Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel (CEP), Washington, D.C. from May 1990 through April 1992. Captain Beam provided superior advice to the CEP members and staff on broad issues confronting the Navy and the Nation. His astute and insightful guidance was central to the success of the annual Navy Long Range Planners Conference and first-ever combined Cooke Conference/Long Range Planners Conference. Throughout this period, Captain Beam’s ability to promote a dialogue between Navy leadership and key Members of Congress contributed to a revitalized relationship that allowed discussions in National defense to be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Working directly with the Chief of Legislative Affairs, his untiring initiative and extensive experience ensured the timely interchange of ideas at critical points in the budget cycle. Captain Beam’s positive leadership, perceptive judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.