The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore Clinton Elgin Braine, Jr. (NSN: 0-9658), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period from 8 March 1942 until 10 November 1944. As Chief of Staff, he was responsible for the organization and operations which have enabled the South Atlantic Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, to accomplish its every assigned mission. Not only were his professional abilities as a naval officer challenged in the extreme by the logistic difficulties which hampered all naval operations in such a remote area, but in addition his personal skill as a diplomat was tried to the utmost in his dealings with the highest officials of a foreign nation. That the Fleet which he served has enjoyed unparalleled success in all its endeavors has been due to a large extent to his outstanding performance of duty. His exceptional professional abilities, his inspiring degree of leadership, and his constant devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 to Commodore Clinton Elgin Braine, Jr. (NSN: 0-9658), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Commanding Officer, Pre-Commissioning Training Center, under the Commander, Fleet Operational Training Command, United States Atlantic Fleet, from March 1945 to January 1946. Commodore Braine organized, administered and coordinated the pre-commissioning training of crews for a large number of combatant and auxiliary vessels. His superior leadership, thorough knowledge and sound solutions of the problems of such a tremendous training program were reflected in the increased high level of efficiency of the pre-commissioning training program under his command and constitute a notable contribution to the successful prosecution of the war. Commodore Braine’s tireless energy, complete devotion to duty and outstanding performance of duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.