The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Alan Robert Montgomery (NSN: 0-61460), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Flotilla of U.S. close-in fire support ships from August 1944 to June 1945, during the amphibious assaults on Leyte, Lingayen Kerama, Retto and Okinawa. Demonstrating outstanding initiative, skill, resourcefulness and professional ability, he maintained his ships in forward areas for long periods of time, and planned, organized, and directed the operations of his ships in support of landings on enemy held beaches. During the assault phases of these operations, despite intermittent air attack and against enemy mortar fire, he personally directed the ships of his task unit in delivering close and effective mortar fire in support of our ground forces. By his leadership and excellent performance of duty, he contributed materially to the successful completion of these operations. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Montgomery is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)