The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Henry Ahmann (AFSN: 0-25949A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of the Tactical Support Division; Chief of the Fighter Division; and as Deputy Director of General Purpose Studies, Directorate of General Purpose and Airlift Studies, Assistant Chief of Staff, Studies and Analysis, Headquarters, United States Air Force from 19 November 1970 to 14 February 1973. During this period, Colonel Ahmann’s incisive thinking, searching imagination, and impelling leadership were responsible for a series of efforts which assured the continued development towards production of the A-10 close-air-support aircraft and which established at Air Force, Department of Defense, and Congressional levels a clear understanding of the importance of the close-air-support mission. the superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Ahmann reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.