The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Edward W. Wilson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while commanding an LCI (L) group during the capture of Sicily in July 1943. Lieutenant Commander Wilson instructed crews under his command and developed a flotilla of high morale and fighting spirit. His brilliant leadership during the invasion enabled his craft to effect assigned landings on schedule despite adverse weather conditions.