The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Nelson K. Brown (MCSN: 0-4646), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States against the enemy Japanese, as Commanding Officer of a Marine Regiment, and as Division Shore Party Commander and Division Engineer Officer, during the assault and capture of Saipan and Tinian Islands in the Mariana Islands campaign from 15 June to 1 August 1944. In the Saipan operation as Division Shore Party Commander during the landing and later as Engineer Officer, he successfully solved many formidable problems in clearing the beaches of military impediments as it arrived, often under artillery and mortar fire. Lieutenant Colonel Brown traveled continuously in forward areas infested with snipers, in directing the removal of obstacles and mines, the organization of the water supply system, and the upkeep of roads. He displayed professional skill of a high order in the Tinian operation, supervising the widening and improvement of the landing beaches, and constructing roadways to the interior for the rapid movement of men, vitally needed ammunition and supplies, and heavy equipment. His tireless energy, courage, and devotion to duty contributed materially to the assault and capture of the islands, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Brown is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)