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 (Navy Award) to Colonel (Field Artillery) George Stafford Eckhardt (ASN: 0-19766), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Army Officer on the staff of Commander, FIFTH Fleet from 5 August 1943 until 30 November 1944. Colonel Eckhardt participated in the occupations of Gilbert, Marshall and Mariana Islands, in sea and air strikes in the Central Pacific and in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. During these operations he maintained close liaison with ground force staffs concerned and was ever at hand to advise the fleet commander in matters concerning the Army and amphibious and ground force operations.