(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Avelin Paul Tacon, Jr. (ASN: 0-21598), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot and Commanding Officer of the 359th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action over enemy-occupied Continental Europe during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.