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 (Field Artillery) Louis Brainard Ely (ASN: 0-12277), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as G-2, TENTH Army, in the Pacific Theater of Operations from 1 September 1944 to 23 June 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Ely and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.