The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Robert G. Newbegin, II, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while commanding an LCI (L) group during the capture of Sicily in July 1943. Lieutenant Commander Newbegin instructed crews under his command with professional skill and indoctrinated them with high morale and determined fighting spirit. During the initial invasion, his brilliant direction as commander of an assault wave enabled his craft to effect assigned landings on schedule despite adverse weather conditions and strong enemy opposition.