The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain (SC) George W. Bauernschmidt (NSN: 0-57450), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Supply Officer in Command of Naval Support Depot, U.S. Naval Operating Base, Oran, Algeria prior to and during the amphibious invasions of the Island of Sicily in July 1943 and the Italian Mainland in September 1943. With the utmost skill and energy, Captain Bauernschmidt initially organized and established the Naval Supply Depot as a unit of the Naval Operating Base. He exerted extreme and untiring effort in developing its activities to proficiently perform its various functions in fleet maintenance and supply. During the conduct of two major amphibious operations against the enemy, the efficient administration of Captain Bauernschmidt was reflected in the ready cooperation and efficient support rendered by the Naval Supply Depot to participating units and thereby contributing materially to the success of these operations. The extraordinary ability, resourcefulness, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bauernschmidt reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.