The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Walter Harold Price (NSN: 0-61506), 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 U.S.S. WILSON (DD-408), operating in the Solomon Islands Area from 1 June 1942 to 1 October 1943. After covering the landing of our invasion forces and engaging in the bombardment of enemy positions on Guadalcanal during the initial occupation of the island, Commander Price made numerous escort and patrol trips between the islands, successfully fighting off hostile air and surface attacks and destroying several enemy barges. Later, he assisted in the occupation of Rendova and New Georgia Islands and, skillfully bombarding the Japanese base at Munda, aided materially in its capture. By his brilliant and courageous leadership, Commander Price brought his ship through each hazardous mission without damage and contributed in large measure to the success of our forces in this vital area.

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 to Captain Walter Harold Price (NSN: 0-61506), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 25 March to 20 June 1945, in the vicinity of Okinawa. During this period he served as Commander Destroyer Division ONE HUNDRED TEN, as Screen Commander for various groups and units, and as a Task Group Commander for fire support and anti-small craft ships. Although subject to almost continuous action, he repeatedly handled his ships with coolness, excellent judgment, and professional skill, in spite of continuing attacks from enemy suicide planes and boats, submarines, and shore batteries. The ships under his command destroyed at least eight enemy planes and assisted in the destruction of many others, while continuing to furnish fire support to our forces ashore and anti-aircraft and anti-submarine protection to important units of the fleet. His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.