The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Mahlon Street Tisdale, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States on 26 October 1942. As Cruiser Task Group Commander of a task force in action against Japanese forces in the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, Admiral Tisdale’s force inflicted heavy losses on attacking air groups and afforded excellent protection to our carrier, thereby contributing in a large measure to the success of our forces.