The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Rear Admiral Raymond Thomas McElligott, United States Coast Guard, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of a transport during two assault landing operations against enemy-held islands in the Pacific during January and June 1944. By his expert direction of training and operations of his ship and attached landing craft, he contributed largely to the success of the naval phase of the eminently successful attacks. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.