The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Francis H. Whitaker, 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 Hull and Salvage Superintendent during Pearl Harbor salvage operations, Captain Whitaker formed advance plans and supplied equipment and production facilities necessary to the important tasks entrusted him. He skillfully supervised the dry-docking and repair of salvaged vessels.