The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral John Henry Towers (NSN: 0-5891), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet, from 14 October 1942 to 25 February 1944. Vice Admiral Towers, the first Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet, immediately upon assuming duty inaugurated an intensive program to improve and coordinate naval air effort in the Pacific Ocean Areas. The sound and decisive judgment displayed by Vice Admiral Towers in these matters, together with his energy and farsightedness with respect to training and logistic planning, have been invaluable in developing the present efficiency of naval aviation in the Pacific. Vice Admiral Towers is largely responsible for the organization and training of the aviation components of the carrier striking forces that have been operating against enemy forces in the Mandated Islands with such conspicuous success.