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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thurman E. Dawson, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. His wide experience, anticipation of operational needs, technical ability, and his devotion to duty have resulted in an outstanding record as Base Ordnance Officer, especially in connection with bomb loadings, and have greatly contributed to the efficiency and to the successful missions performed by his bomb group, and have reflected great credit upon the Army of the United States and upon himself.