The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) John M. Birch, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious service as an Intelligence Liaison Officer, Fourteenth Air Force, United States Forces, China Theater during the period 18 January 1944 to 25 August 1945. Captain Birch pioneered the intelligence field in Southeast China, collecting highly crucial combat intelligence under the most adverse conditions and under circumstances of extreme hardship, and his unusual tact, enthusiasm and demonstrated organizing and leadership ability were such as to demand the highest respect and fullest cooperation from the Commanding General of the Chinese 9th War Area and his staff, without which his mission could not have been successfully fulfilled. He was instrumental in establishing air-ground liaison operations in the Chinese 9th War Area and personally directed a radio team at the front lines during the Changsha-Hemgyang campaign. Subsequently, Captain Birch was transferred to northern Ankwei and Honan in an area behind enemy lines and in addition to carrying out his intelligence mission with distinction, he also supervised the construction of three air strips which permitted emergency supplies to be brought to positions immediately adjacent to enemy-held territory. Conditions and proximity of the enemy were such in this area that his radio station was twice forced to evacuate without forewarning in order to escape capture. Captain Birch’s exceptionally meritorious service was unrestrained and wholehearted devotion to duty represent an important and exceedingly valuable contribution to the war effort in China and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.