The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Victor Ohanesian (MCSN: 0-50708), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam from 2 August 1966 to 1 March 1967. Displaying outstanding leadership and tactical skill, Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian led his battalion on four highly successful operations against the insurgent communist forces and in leading his units continually exposed himself to enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, sniper fire, mortars and booby traps. His extreme aggressiveness and skillful application of sound tactical principals notably contributed to the overwhelming success of Operations ALLEGHENY, KERN, PRAIRIE, and PRAIRIE II. He ingeniously utilized available material and personnel to coordinate and direct the efforts of controlling the Battalion’s Tactical Area of Responsibility and Area of Operations. While controlling his Tactical Area of Responsibility in DaNang and his Area of Operation in Quang Tri Province he exhibited exceptional initiative, resourcefulness and professional knowledge in executing search and destroy operations. In addition, he equally well applied his skill to the Civic Action Program. His dedicated professionalism and sincere compassion for the Vietnamese people earned him their complete trust and confidence, materially contributing to the success of Marine Corps goals in Vietnam. He was able, because of his superb capabilities, to maintain efficiency in all administrative and logistic functions of the battalion. Drawing from his extensive combat experience, Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian provided inspiring leadership and professional guidance for the officers and men of the battalion. By his dynamic leadership, sound judgment, extraordinary devotion to duty, and unfailing loyalty, Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. (Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian is authorized the Combat “V”.)