The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Melvin Francis McNickle (AFSN: FR-18901/ASN: 0-22628), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Oklahoma City Air Materiel Area, Air Force Logistics Command, from 20 January 1964 to 7 July 1968. In this important assignment, demanding the highest degree of knowledge and integrity, General McNickle consistently exhibited outstanding leadership in directing numerous programs to insure a reliable defense posture for the United States and its allied nations. His management of first-line aircraft, complex command and control communication systems, and air defense systems was important to maintaining the operational capability of combat forces and to effective utilization of the Nation’s resources. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McNickle and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.