The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Kimber H. Boyer (MCSN: 0-5535), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of an armored amphibian battalion attached to a Marine Division prior to and during the action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands, Palau, 15 September to 20 October 1944. Although Lieutenant Colonel Boyer had no previous experience in armored amphibian units he organized a provisional battalion in an extremely limited time, completing gunnery training while in the process of receiving some of the vehicles and loading others for movement to the objective. Landing on Peleliu in the first assault wave his battalion rendered noteworthy fire support. Although many of his units were put out of action by enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Boyer, with zeal and resolute determination, promptly reorganized them for continuing the attack. His professional attainments were clearly evidenced by the effective measure he initiated for the repair of his salvaged vehicles. His skillful leadership was displayed in all advanced inland as well as in repulsing seaborne enemy counterattacks. His devotion to duty throughout the operation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Boyer is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)