The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Robert Louis Bolan, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 9 April 1970 to 24 July 1970, while serving as Command Sergeant Major with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, II Field Force Vietnam. When Master Sergeant Bolan was appointed to the position of Command Sergeant Major, due to the evacuation of his predecessor, he consistently displayed the exceptional leadership abilities necessary to perform in this exceedingly demanding position. Throughout this period he manifested inimitable courage and took extreme personal risk on numerous occasions, as evidenced by award of the Silver Star and two awards of the Bronze Star for valor. He provided positive direction, sound advice, firm guidance, and wise counsel to his troops, and served as an inspiration to all with whom he served. He was directly responsible for the communication and harmony between the staff sections’ noncommissioned officers, developing efficient and effective working relations. On 24 July 1970, as he was returning to Fire Support Base VICTORY, Sergeant Bolan was mortally wounded when the helicopter in which he was flying came under heavy small arms fire. Sergeant Bolan’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.