The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Rupert M. Zimmerli, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to a naval task force commander during the invasion of Southern France in 1944. Captain Zimmerli coordinated the administrative and planning agencies during the intensive preparations for the assault. His advice and sound decisions contributed materially to the early and firm establishment of our forces ashore in enemy-held territory.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Rupert M. Zimmerli, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Advanced Bases and Training Group, Tunisia, and commander of the joint loading control for all ships in an amphibious task force during World War II. Captain Zimmerli skillfully coordinated Army and Navy plans for loading, sailing and operations.