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 Vice Admiral Herbert Fairfax Leary (NSN: 0-5051), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Eastern Sea Frontier, from November 1943 to September 1945. Loyal, persevering and zealous in the performance of duty, Vice Admiral Leary skillfully effected close coordination of the manifold activities of his command and, by his astute judgment, marked administrative ability and unlimited energy, obtained a singularly high degree of success in its operation. His achievement was a distinctive service to the Navy and a significant contribution to the successful prosecution of the war.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Herbert Fairfax Leary (NSN: 0-5051), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Vice Admiral Leary has rendered outstanding service in the Pacific since the outbreak of the current war. From April to September 1942, he served as Commander Task Forces, Southwest Pacific. Thereafter, he was Commander Task Force ONE and Combatpac until 22 April 1943. During the latter period he organized the first Task Force in the Pacific containing auxiliary carriers, contributed materially to the fitting out of the old battleships and the establishment of the base at Nandi, Fiji. Through his courageous leadership and organizational skill he made a distinctive contribution to the successful operations of the forces under his command.