The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Richard C. Avrit, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Military Assistant to the Assistant Director, Ocean Control in the Office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Office of the Secretary of Defense from June 1972 to February 1976. During his tenure, Captain Avrit was instrumental in identifying operational deficiencies and technology obsolescence affecting naval fleet offense and air defense capabilities and in structuring and promoting Navy research to redress these critical deficiencies. His personal contributions to development planning for major Navy surface-launched weapon systems significantly enhanced the national security of the United States through far-reaching improvements in the tactical offensive and defensive capabilities of our present and future surface combatant ships. Further, he defined and initiated programs for development of advanced concepts for task force air defense coordination and surface-to-air missile guidance. Captain Avrit’s broad understanding of naval warfare and incisive assessments of both requirements and technology options in the surface-to-air and surface-to-surface tactical weapon system areas brought him recognition and respect throughout the Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. By his unique effectiveness and total devotion to duty, Captain Avrit reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.