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 Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Howard F. Haines (ASN: 0-173170), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the South Pacific Area from 7 August 1942 to 30 January 1943: from 19 July to 6 August 1943, and from 8 November 1942 to 30 January 1944. In the Fiji Islands, Colonel Haines capably served as Commandant of an Officer Candidate School which provided his Division with more than 300 well-trained officers. In the New Georgia campaign, he served with distinction as the S-3 of the division artillery and was responsible for the organization and coordination of the artillery fire control system, a task made unusually difficult by the wide dispersion of battalions on islands off the coast of New Georgia. His destructive night firing on the enemy was particularly outstanding. Because of his brilliant record, he was placed in command of an artillery battalion which, although inexperienced in combat, performed with extraordinary efficiency in the Bougainville campaign. Colonel Haynes’ superior ability, adaptability and tireless energy entitle him to a substantial measure of credit for the success of the operations in which he participated. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Haines and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.