The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Reed M. Fawell, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4968), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the government of the United States as Commanding officer of the Second Armored Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, during operations against enemy Japanese Forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. After organizing his battalion and bringing his unit to a high state of combat efficiency although having but five days training with the type of vehicle used in this operation, Lieutenant Colonel Fawell landed on D-Day with the headquarters unit of the regimental combat team and coolly and efficiently directed the employment of his vehicles until the supporting tanks came ashore.Ê Under his aggressive leadership, the men of his command destroyed four enemy tanks although their vehicles were not tactically suited for employment against enemy armor.Ê Through his own indefatigable efforts and the application of the efficient operating procedure instilled in his men during the training period, thirty-five vehicles out of action due to material casualties, were restored to operation in four days despite difficult conditions and frequent enemy fire.Ê His resourcefulness, professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Fawell is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)