The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel James Phillips Berkeley (MCSN: 0-4488), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Signal Officer of a Marine Division and Executive Officer of a Marine Regiment prior to and during the assault on enemy held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 26 March 1945. From the date of activation until the seizure of Iwo Jima, Lieutenant Colonel Berkeley skillfully, energetically, and with broad technical knowledge, directed and supervised the communications of the Division. The fact that the signal personnel were so highly trained, signal equipment in such good condition, and communication plans so well coordinated that at no time during operation did communications fail is directly the result of his untiring efforts, his professional skill, technical knowledge, and meticulous attention to detail. For a period of fifteen days he served as the Executive Officer of a Marine Infantry Regiment. Taking over the responsibilities of coordinating the functioning of a staff badly displaced by casualties, he, without regard for his own personal safety, immediately visited the front line to familiarize himself thoroughly with the situation. Thereafter his clear thinking, sound vision, and tactical judgment based on information collected in numerous visits to the front line observation posts greatly aided the successful accomplishments of the missions assigned the regiment. His exceptionally meritorious conduct, expert technical ability, foresight, tactical judgment, skill in combat and meticulous attention to detail contributed materially to the successful seizure of the island and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Berkeley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)