The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Normal Walker Sears (NSN: 0-59557), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on the Staff, Commander Amphibious Group ONE, from 4 July to 26 December 1950; as Commander Tractor Group from 4 to 27 July 1950, during the planning and execution of the amphibious operation at P’chang, Korea; and as Chief of Staff from 17 August to 26 December 1950, during the planning and execution of the amphibious operations against enemy aggressor forces at Inch’on and Wonsan, and during the redeployment of our forces as Hungnam, Korea. Assigned control of a large group of LST’s in preparation for the P’chang operation, Captain Sears supervised the training of crews and the combat loading of these ships with signal success although severely handicapped by strict time limitations. Personally leading his group to the objective area, he directed the unloading of troops and supplies under hazardous and difficult conditions. As Chief of Staff, he assisted in the formulation of intricate plans for the Inch’on and Wonsan operations and maintained a high degree of administrative efficiency and coordination on the staff of the attack force at all times. By his superior judgment, outstanding professional skill and constant devotion to the fulfillment of vital tasks, Captain Sears contributed materially to the success of three amphibious operations during the Korean War, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Sears is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)