The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Walter W. Strohbehn, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WAINWRIGHT during an attack on an enemy submarine off the Algerian coast during World War II. Commander Strohbehn quickly launched a depth-charge attack which forced the vessel to the surface. He then directed gunfire at the craft, forcing the crew to scuttle and abandon ship and capturing many of its company.