The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant (Chaplain) Frederick P. Gehring, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States beginning on 26 September 1942. Chaplain Gehring voluntarily made three hazardous expeditions through enemy-occupied territory. Aided by native scouts, he evacuated missionaries trapped on Guadalcanal. He frequently visited the front lines and was a constant source of encouragement to Marines and Army units under continual attack by the enemy.