The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Joseph Robert Lannom, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while commanding a naval vessel in the Solomon Islands from January to June 1943. Captain Lannom made numerous trips into the forward area to transport troops and supplies to Guadalcanal. He later took part in the assault on Rendova and completed his hazardous missions without damage to his vessel despite attack by hostile planes.