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 Robert Finley Trimble, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States as the Procurement Assistant, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Installations and Logistics), from 10 July 1968 to 6 July 1970. During this period, the professional competence, managerial ability, and devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Trimble enabled him to provide the Assistant Secretary, the Deputy Assistant Secretary and the Air Staff with invaluable advice, information and assistance necessary to the formulation of far-reaching procurement policies and techniques relating to a large variety of complex procurement actions involving programs of vital significance to the defense posture of the nation, including the A-X and International Fighter weapon systems, the World-Wide Military Command and Control System, and contractor support of the Air Force missile and space test ranges. Colonel Trimble’s procurement expertise, together with his tact, poise, foresight and judicious reasoning in working with leaders of Government have contributed substantially to the effectiveness of the Air Force and the Office of the Assistant Secretary. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Trimble, in a most demanding and exacting assignment, are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.