The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Andrew Robert Mack (NSN: 0-10807), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Prospective Commanding Officer and later as Commanding Officer of an advanced naval base sectional drydock in the South Pacific area from 10 May 1943 to 15 June 1944. Captain Mack displayed exceptional judgment and outstanding professional skill throughout the construction and operation of the largest floating drydock of its type in the world. He assisted materially in planning its design and many valuable features are due directly to his sound recommendations. He efficiently directed the towing of the drydock from the United States to an advanced base in the South Pacific Area and was responsible for all details of this movement, including the intricate arrangement of the towing gear and the assembly of the vast amount of material and equipment required for the operation. After arrival at the designated base, he exhibited excellent engineering ability in setting up the drydock, solving innumerable problems and overcoming many difficulties. He supervised the repair of a large number of vessels, many of which were returned to unrestricted service in an expeditious manner or were repaired sufficiently to permit their safe return to the United States for further repair. His tireless efforts and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.