The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Eric William Carlson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer, Fleet Hospital Support Office, Williamsburg, Virginia, from June 2002 to September 2004. Captain Carlson’s superior leadership significantly enhanced the delivery of quality health care for the United States warfighters during combat operations and increased the provisions of essential care across the spectrum of military operations. Through his clear understanding of mission and people, he created a challenging, invigorating, and highly productive environment and work force second to none. A meticulous planner with keen foresight, he directed the development of a comprehensive Operation Plan that became the guide in the flawless execution of the Fleet Hospital Activation Teams functions during the activation and deployment of four Fleet Hospitals in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon receipt of higher authority’s order to build smaller, lighter, highly mobile, scalable, and interoperable level III medical facilities, he guided the design and construction of six 10-bed air transportable Expeditionary Medical Units capable of operating as standalone facilities for smaller contingencies yet scalable as larger facilities with increased capabilities. To increase the modularity of current Fleet Hospitals and begin the Fleet Hospital Program’s transformation, he supported the reconfiguration of the 500-bed Fleet Hospital by creating the 4/2 design concept, allowing a single hospital to deploy in six different configurations for increased flexibility and cost efficiency. Captain Carlson’s dynamic direction, keen judgment, and inspirational devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.