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 (General Staff Corps) Earl L. Naiden (ASN: 0-3828), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the South Pacific Area. As Chief of Staff of the THIRTEENTH Air Force from 1 February to 2 June 944, Colonel Naiden consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and foresight in meeting the pressing administrative problems created by the rapid forward movement of the Force and by the wide dispersion of base installations. He also served as Operations Officer for the commander Aircraft, Solomon Islands, from 1 March to 22 April 1944, and in this position his keen tactical judgment had much to do with the decisive neutralization of such important Japanese strongholds as Rabaul and New Ireland. During the determined offensive b y enemy ground forces against the Empress Augusta Bay beachhead at Bougainville in March, the manner in which he conducted the operations of his tactical air components contributed substantially to the defeat of the Japanese. Colonel Naiden also planned and coordinated the first daylight air attack by land-based bombers on installations at the Truk Islands. His superior leadership, force and initiative had been responsible in large measure for the aggressive tactics which characterized the Allied air operations in the South Pacific. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Naiden and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.