The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Lyle O. Armel, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of an Attack Transport in the Pacific waters in connection with operations against the enemy, and subsequently, from 1 January 1945 to 1 December 1945. During this period the vessel under his command participated in the assault and capture of Kerama Retto and Ie Shima Islands contiguous to Okinawa; participated on the evening of 2 April in the Battle between 18 to 21 suicide planes and the transport squadron in which he was serving; participated in the landing of two units of the Army Occupational Forces on the Japanese Island of Honshu; and made several trans-Pacific voyages, during hostilities and after, transporting troops to and from the United States and Western Pacific points. The sound organization of the ship under his command and his alertness, ability and professional skill materially contributed to the success of these operations in which he took part, and his coolness and alert ship handling during the suicide plane attack of 2 April were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.