The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Edward R. Durgin, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. As Commander of a Destroyer Squadron throughout the initial assault on Sicily, Commander Durgin succeeded in bringing tanks to specified beachheads on schedule. During the ensuing operations his destroyer units gave excellent fire support, making possible rapid progress by Army units ashore.

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 Captain [then Commander] Edward R. Durgin, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of a United States Navy destroyer squadron during the assault in the Gulf of Salerno on 9 September 1943. Captain Durgin skillfully disposed the ships under his command to assist in providing a screen for a major task force. He displayed keen judgment and expert tactical knowledge in the face of heavy enemy position.