(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral James McCredie Irish, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Navy inventory control from 15 June 1944 to 4 October 1945; and Assistant Chief Office of Procurement and Material from 1 May 1944 to 14 March 1945.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral James McCredie Irish, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as supervisor of shipbuilding at New York and director of the material procurement effort during the program to speed up destroyer-escort production in 1943. Admiral Irish displayed skill and expert technical judgment. His brilliant administrative ability contributed to the accomplishment of this tremendous shipbuilding task.