(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Benjamin B. C. Lovett, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of U.S.S. ESSEX (CVA-9), from 17 October 1952 to 17 January 1953. (Captain Lovett is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)