The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Vernon E. Megee (MCSN: 0-3772), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the United Nations in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, First Marine Aircraft Wing in Korea, from 8 January 1953 to 30 November 1953. While charged with the responsibility for the operations of all land based Marine aircraft against the enemy in North Korea, General Megee drew upon his extensive, varied tactical experience and led his command to a distinctive combat record while carrying the air war to the enemy. Through his outstanding organizational and leadership ability, General Megee promoted the highest standards of operational effectiveness throughout his wing while meeting expanded combat commitments. Working in close liaison with the Fifth Air Force, General Megee was largely responsible for the effective integration of the Marine striking force into the overall United Nations aerial offensive. General Megee’s exemplary spirit of cooperation coupled with the battle-tested knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of Marine attack aircraft was a major contributing factor to the singular effectiveness of United Nations air power in the closing months of the Korean conflict. His thorough understanding of staff level planning and sound management methods enabled him to establish performance standards and control procedures which permitted constant surveillance over all phases of the Wing’s activities, thereby insuring its continuing high level of performance. In addition, under General Megee’s direction, the training program for fighter-bomber, attack, and night fighter pilots in the latest interdiction and ground support tactics of proven effectiveness was a vital factor in the Wing’s consistent ability to mount a maximum number of sorties against the enemy. By his outstanding devotion to duty, exceptional professional knowledge and leadership, Major General Megee reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Marine Corps.