(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander James H. Howard, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Task Unit Commander and Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CHAMPION (AM-314), in action in the vicinity of Okinawa, from 24 March 1945 to 8 May 1945.