The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Victor F. Blakeslee, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the United States Naval Amphibious Supply Base, Exeter, England. Commander Blakeslee exercised great professional skill and executive ability in commanding the principal supply base of this force. From this supply base a total of approximately two thousand four hundred fifty fleet units and landing ships and craft were supplied and made ready for the assault which resulted in the successful landings in the invasion of Europe on 6 June 1944. The remarkable feat accomplished by this base was inspired by the unselfish devotion to duty of Commander Blakeslee and his performance of duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.