The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Roger V. Mullany, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States on 25 May 1942. By his alert and resolute initiative, Commander Mullany, Executive Officer, U.S.S. BLAKELEY (DD-150), during and following a torpedo attack, was largely responsible for keeping his ship under control, maintaining her fighting ability and later expediting her readiness for sea.