ROBERT A. EARLE Citation for the Legion of Merit UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS HEADQUARTERS FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC C/O FLEET POST OFFICE, SAN FRANCISCO In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, takes pleasure in awarding the LEGION OF MERIT to COMMANDER ROBERT A. EARLE, UNITED STATES COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY for service set forth in the following CITATION:

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States for a period of two years while serving on detached duty with the United States Marine Corps, and in action against the enemy on the SOLOMON ISLANDS; TARAWA, GILBERT ISLANDS; and on SAIPAN and TINIAN, MARIANAS ISLANDS. Commander EARLE was first attached to a Marine defense battalion where he served in various capacities as a battery commander and later on the staff. He served in the SOLOMON ISLANDS with this battalion from January to August, 1943. He joined a Marine artillery regiment in August, 1943, as survey officer, and by hard work, untiring efforts and professional skill he brought the survey sections to a high state of training. He served with this regiment through the TARAWA, SAIPAN and TINIAN operations. During the latter two operations his work, frequently accomplished under enemy fire, was invaluable to the success of this regiment. When shortages of officers became acute, Commander EARLE volunteered for and performed other staff duties with consummate skill. His devotion to duty and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
 
H. M. SMITH
Lieutenant General,
U. S. Marine Corps