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 Captain (Air Corps) John M. Birch, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a liaison officer with Chinese forced during the **** campaign in China from 23 October 1943 to 17 December 1943. Captain Birch, throughout this period, established and maintained contacts which resulted in the speedy relay of vital information contributing materially to the effective support of Chinese ground efforts. American air units were able to work in close cooperation with these forces and destroy important targets in a changing tactical situation. By reason of his patience and perseverance in this highly important mission, he not only improved the timeliness and quality of intelligence reports but also firmly cemented friendly relations and increased the effectiveness of future liaison work. Captain Birch by his ingenuity and untiring efforts, played an important part in the successful conclusion of this campaign. His actions reflected much credit on his own record as well as that of the American military service.