The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Russell Lloyd (MCSN: 0-4545), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Shore Party Commander of a Marine Division on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. Prior to the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd supervised the organization and training of the Shore Party to the exceptionally high degree of efficiency that was demonstrated in the operation. In a period of five unloading days, the Division Shore Party, under Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd’s command, handled more than twenty-five thousand tons of equipment and supplies over reefs and beaches that were often subject to enemy counterattacks from land and sea. All classes of supplies and equipment were carefully segregated in dumps, dug in and camouflaged, and immediately made available to the troops on call. Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd’s unceasing efforts, unusual ability, and cool conduct under fire contributed materially to the success of the whole operation. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)