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 Colonel (Infantry) John Clement Whitcomb, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the 90th Infantry Division from 15 July 1944 to 16 October 1945. Colonel Whitcomb through his exceptional organizational ability, tireless energy, resourcefulness and marked devotion to duty was responsible for initiating a program of reorganization in the operation procedures of the General and Special Staff Sections, and redistributed and fixed the responsibilities of individual for details of administration and supply. As a result all problems of staff reorganizations, reassignment and movement were solved without confusion. Upon the assignment of a new commander to the division, he attributed the ease with which reorganization command echelons were affected to the smooth and efficient staffs he found already functioning as a result of Colon Whitcomb’s program. At the very outset of the Division’s “Breakthrough” from Normandy, Colonel Whitcomb rendered invaluable service as counselor and advisor on policy and morale. During a campaign, characterized by rapid advances and intense fighting, he constantly, with effortless ease, directed and supervised the operation and security of the widely separated echelons of the division and subordinated staffs, thus relieving the Division Commander of much distracting concern. By his thorough understanding of staff problems and their solution, his enthusiasm and tact, and his devoted loyalty to his Commander, Colonel Whitcomb has contributed in a large measure to the success of the Division.