The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Leo A. Bachman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in both the planning and execution phases of the invasion of the Island of Sicily. Commander Bachman, as Intelligence Officer on the Staff of the Commander U.S. Navy Forces, North Western African Waters, was responsible for the collection, classifications, and dissemination of intelligence information concerning the characteristics of the theater of operations and the strength of the enemy in Sicily. By his untiring efforts and patient pursuit of exact details the planning section was furnished with accurate information on which to base its war plans, and the forces engaged in the assault were supplied with such intelligence that they were able to successfully attain their assigned objectives with a minimum of personnel casualties and light damage to their equipment. The untiring devotion to duty, professional excellence and organizational ability displayed by Commander Bachman were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bachman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Leo A. Bachman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Intelligence Officer on the staff of a major Naval Task Force Commander prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Captain Bachman, displaying outstanding skill and extraordinary thoroughness, directed the collection and correlation of important intelligence material for dissemination to all the various units comprising the Assault Force. Under his energetic supervision, accurate information on enemy defenses, beach characteristics, meteorological data and other vital combat intelligence were made available to the forces participating, which enabled them to develop sound and comprehensive plans for conducting the assault. During the execution of the planned action and subsequent operations, his able administration of the various intelligence agencies in the Force was responsible in large measure for the continuing receipt of valuable, up-to-the-minute information which formed a basis for sound command decisions and contributed materially to the success of the invasion. The extraordinary ability, sound judgment, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bachman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Bachman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Leo A. Bachman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Intelligence Officer on the staff of an amphibious force commander during the landings on the coast of French Morocco. Captain Bachman resourcefully and energetically directed many and varied Intelligence activities which produced accurate, vital fore-knowledge of enemy forces, defenses and physical details of the hostile shore. He also assisted in the formulation of sound plans for locating and timing the assault. During the long months of preparation and later, during the combat operations, through his thoroughness, sound judgment and professional skill, he contributed greatly to the success of the landings. The extraordinary ability and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bachman reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Bachman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)