The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Walter Charles Ansel (NSN: 0-34566), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander of an Amphibious Task Force during the invasion of the Island of Sicily. Captain Ansel was charged with the preparation and coordination of plans for all the Task Groups comprising a major assault force. By his fine grasp of the strategic and tactical situation, his sound judgment and meticulous attention to detail, the plans for all units and forces available resulted in a highly successful amphibious assault which greatly contributed to the success of the invasion. The sound judgment, professional skill, and outstanding devotion to duty by Captain Ansel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Ansel is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)