The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walter S. De Lany, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff and Operations Officer on the staff of CincPac from 1 February 1941 to 23 June 1942. Rear Admiral De Lany displayed the highest qualities of judgment and initiative, thereby contributing materially in the prosecution of the war against Japan.