The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Ernest G. Atkin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7840), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with a Marine Infantry Regiment during operations against the enemy in Korea from 18 to 27 March 1953. Serving as Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Atkin displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence and fearless leadership in the execution of his duties. When the enemy launched two battalion size attacks against the outposts and main line of resistance positions, he skillfully employed his forces and repulsed the savage assaults while inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. Later the enemy launched two company size forces and again they were routed sustaining heavy losses. Before and during the attacks Lieutenant Colonel Atkin expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and fearlessly reconnoitered the foremost elements of his command. Although exposed to enemy mortar, artillery and sniper fire, he effectively integrated the defensive fire of the battalion and insured that maximum effective and devastating fire was brought o bear on the enemy forces. Through his intimate knowledge of the terrain, he coordinated the supporting arms with the defensive plans of his sector and was directly responsible for the success achieved. (Lieutenant Colonel Atkin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)