The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain John H. Byrd, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during operations against enemy forces while serving as Atlantic Fleet Escort Commander protecting trans-Atlantic convoys during World War II. Undeterred by the hazards of enemy submarine-infested waters and adverse weather conditions, Captain Byrd skillfully directed the ships under his command in fulfilling the difficult assignment of transporting men and supplies to sustain the Allied war fronts in Europe. By his sound judgment and professional skill, he contributed materially to the prosecution of the war in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Captain Byrd is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]