The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain (Medical Corps) Louis Kreindler (ASN: 0-400549), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services while serving with the 37th Infantry Division at Guadalcanal during the period of 10 January to 9 February 1943. He was a member of a medical battalion since its activation, serving as S-4, and later as commanding officer of a collecting company. His services as a S-4 were outstanding in that he accomplished the work without the allotted officer personnel and only a fraction of the enlisted personnel. As commanding officer of the collecting company, he completed its organization and training and was responsible for the skillful and efficient evacuation services rendered by this unit during the combat period on Guadalcanal. Captain Kreindler was the first officer to contact two infantry battalions isolated on Hills 43 and 44 by the Matanikau River route. It was his company that delivered the first boatload of ammunition and rations to units of an infantry regiment fighting on the island, thereby making it unnecessary to continue dropping supplies by parachute. This supply and evacuation route, through territory occupied by Japanese snipers, was used successfully during the action which destroyed the enemy in the upper Matanikau area. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Kreindler and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.