The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Josephus Asa Briggs (NSN: 0-57944), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer of an escort carrier engaged in sustained operations against the enemy in dangerous waters during the occupation of Okinawa in May and June 1945. His professional ability and aggressive leadership were responsible for the welding of his ship and its newly assigned squadron into an efficient fighting unit which, in spite of unfavorable operating conditions, provided highly effective air support in excess of that scheduled, thereby inflicting severe damage on the enemy and contributing materially to the success of the operations. His resourcefulness, leadership and high personal courage were a constant inspiration to the officers and men under his command, and his conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Briggs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)