The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore Charles Moulding Yates, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commandant, NOB Oran, prior to and during the invasion of Sicily and the Italian mainland in 1943. Commodore Yates efficiently reorganized various base units to serve and maintain forces afloat. By his tact, cooperation and aggressive leadership he established an amicable relationship with Allied authorities and coordinated the combined efforts of port facilities toward full support of the forces participating in the two amphibious operations.