The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Ronald Carl Andreas (MCSN: 0-72590), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, from May 1980 through July 1983. An extremely competent and resourceful leader, Colonel Andreas significantly improved the mission capability of the Air Station as a weapons training site for tenant organizations and deployed units. As a direct result of his aggressive leadership and support, 2,644,423 acres of aerial gunnery range were excluded from the public domain, thus ensuring continued live ordnance training within the local flying area. Colonel Andreas was further instrumental in the acquisition of 77.5 acres to provide clear zones for the Station’s primary jet runways. Firmly committed to improving the welfare of Yuma’s Marines and Sailors and their dependents, he spearheaded the establishment of the Family Services Center and ensured a major renovation of Club facilities and the construction of a new all-purpose athletic field. Throughout his tour, Colonel Andreas fostered relations between the Air Station and the civilian community by ensuring open channels of communication and a spirit of cooperation and reciprocity. By his outstanding leadership, keen judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Colonel Andreas reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.