The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Clifford Steele Cooper (NSN: 0-61127), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from May 1960 to June 1962 as Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean and Commander Naval Activities Mediterranean. During this period, Rear Admiral Cooper exhibited marked professional skill, dynamic leadership, diplomatic ability, and untiring devotion to duty in carrying out his responsibilities. As the Fleet Air Commander under the Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, he translated policy guidance into the military direction of the air forces under his command, bringing them to an exceptionally high state of combat readiness. As the overall Naval Shore Activity Commander in the Mediterranean area, he skillfully directed the activities under his command, resulting in a great capability to render effective support to the SIXTH Fleet and his own air forces. Through his extensive professional knowledge of aviation and administrative matters, and by his vigorous leadership, all the forces under his command were fused into an expertly trained and motivated force. In his role as Senior Naval Commander in the Mediterranean Area, he contributed greatly to strengthening the relationships and tied of friendship between the United States and the littoral Mediterranean nations. Rear Admiral Cooper’s distinguished service and achievements reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.