The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel John M. Arthur (MCSN: 0-26), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Islands Command, Guam, Mariana Islands, from 15 March to 2 September 1945. By his skillful application of a broad professional knowledge and his comprehensive grasp of the highly important mission to be accomplished, he guided the administration of the Island Command through the period when base development and support to combat operations were most essential. His exceptional faculty for working in harmony with others, together with his superior leadership and driving energy, were a stimulant to the unified progress. He supervised and coordinated operations against the remaining enemy forces on Guam which resulted in the destruction of capture of over twelve hundred Japanese. He supervised and coordinated plans for the surrender and occupation of Rota, Mariana Islands, and assisted in the preparation of plans for the surrender and occupation of Truk and the Central Carolines. It was due largely to his unwavering determination that the Island’s multiple activities were correlated into a smooth functioning team which developed Guam into a great advance base from where powerful blows were delivered against the Japanese Empire. His superior ability, tact and unstinted devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Arthur is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)