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 E. Whinnery, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Air Surgeon, Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau, Washington, District of Columbia, from 1 September 1991 to 1 October 1993. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence and devotion to duty of Colonel Whinnery were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air National Guard and the Air Force. Colonel Whinnery established the Air National Guard’s Residency in Aerospace Medicine ensuring Air National Guard physicians can assume a senior leadership in the Air National Guard. His efforts to improve flying safety resulted in the TOP KNIFE program as well as other activities that saved countless lives and constantly improved the Air National Guard flying program. A visionary, he molded the medical assistants and advisors into a cohesive team supporting the Air National Guard and the active component. Through consummate staff and organizational skills he ensured that the restructuring of all Air Guard medical/aeromedical evacuation units effectively balanced scarce resources for the federal and state missions. Committed to realistic training, medical units participated in national exercises, overseas humanitarian missions and stateside medical readiness training exercises proving that the Air National Guard was a vital asset in national contingencies, improving relations between foreign countries, and the United States and adding value to America. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Whinnery and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.