The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Colin De Vere Headlee, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding officer of the repair ship U.S.S. DELTA during the invasions of Sicily and Italy in July and September 1943. Captain Headlee directed the repairing of ships and landing craft with skill and untiring energy. By his excellent organizing ability and untiring energy he enabled his command to carry out these highly important tasks with the utmost speed and efficiency.