The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] Webb Duane Sawyer (MCSN: 0-7847), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during the South Central Korean Campaign from 15 December 1950 to 15 April 1951. The Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer repeatedly and successfully engaged numerically superior North Korean forces, north of Pohang, later participated in numerous, successive actions against strong, determined and well-entrenched Chinese Communist forces in the attack from Wonju to Hongchon, and the drive from Chunchon across the 38th Parallel. By his exceptional professional knowledge and skill, his understanding of human values, his personal example of valor in the face of the enemy and his endurance under extremely adverse conditions of weather and terrain, Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer proved himself a peerless leader of fighting men and contributed materially to the success of the offensive operations then in progress. His skilled service and exemplary conduct throughout this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)