The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Ford Johnston (MCSN: 0-5070), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, from 1 June to 10 November 1943, and as Acting Operations Officer, from 20 to 23 November 1943, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Gilbert Islands. Skillfully supervising the training of the men of his command in landing operations, Lieutenant Colonel Johnston contributed substantially to the success of his regiment in the seizure of the beachhead and continued attack on Tarawa and, by his thorough knowledge of amphibious tactics, carried out his assigned duties despite difficult and trying conditions. When hostile anti-aircraft fire wounded the observer on an observation plane, he voluntarily replaced him and rendered invaluable assistance in spotting and reporting the location of enemy installations and gun positions. His professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty throughout were contributing factors to the success of our operations in this vital area, and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Johnston and the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Johnston is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)