The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander John M. Donlon, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of U.S.S. SHARK (SS-591) in 1964. Planning for and successfully executing a complex, difficult and important independent submarine operation, Commander Donlon was instrumental in achieving results of great value to the government of the United States. His preparations, analysis and documentation of information were important contributions to the success achieved.