The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Winton Ralph Close, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the 98th Bombardment Wing, Far East Air Forces in Korea, from 4 May 1952 to 21 October 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Close reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.