The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel William N. Best (MCSN: 0-73), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with military operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 21 June 1945. As Division Quartermaster of a Marine Infantry Division, Colonel Best, operating under extraordinary difficulties occasioned by lack of adequate transportation, rapid movement, and frequent wide dispersal of units of the Division, worked with untiring efforts and a devotion to duty that materially aided in the successful completion of the Division’s operations. Service facilities under his control rendered invaluable support to subordinate units. He maintained dumps close behind advancing units, permitting immediate supply of urgently needed items, and effected distribution to all combat units, thereby relieving them of the burden of calling for supplies. He accurately anticipated the quartermaster needs of the Division, thus preventing any avoidable delay in supply. Through his efforts a reception center was established to receive personnel returning from hospitals, furnishing them with clothing, bathing, laundry and barber facilities, and with food prior to their return to their units. Throughout the operation Colonel Best demonstrated exceptional proficiency in all phases of quartermaster work and his unusual foresight and ingenuity greatly contributed to the success of the Division. His actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Best is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)