The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Victor T. Boatwright, Jr. (NSN: 0-83640), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Gunnery Officer attached to the Staff of Commander ELEVENTH Amphibious Force, both in the preparation and execution of the amphibious assault on the coast of France, 6 June 1944. Lieutenant Commander Boatwright was charged with the preparation of plans for the destruction of shore batteries and shore targets and the apportionment of fires from the Support Force and Support Craft. The performance of this complex duty required constant liaison with Army Officers of high rank. Lieutenant Commander Boatwright brought to this task exceptional skill and ability, and a broad grasp of the many problems involved, for which he was pre-eminently qualified by his successful record s Gunnery Officer during the assaults on Sicily and Italy. The extraordinary ability, initiative, and judgment and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Boatwright reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Boatwright is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)