The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Robert Allen Joseph English (NSN: 0-57546), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with the preparations of plans for the amphibious invasion of the Island of Sicily during World War II. Commander English, as War Planning Officer on the Staff of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters, was responsible for the preparation of the plans for the employment of Allied Naval Forces in the Sicilian invasion. Although allowed only a minimum of time in which to accomplish this important duty, he, without thought of his own personal welfare, worked day and night, and thereby succeeded in preparing complete plans which were thorough and sound, and which were a vital and major contribution to the success of the naval forces in establishing the U.S. Army forces in Sicily, and successfully maintaining them there in the face of air and ground attacks by enemy forces. The outstanding efficiency, professional perfection, and exceptional devotion to duty displayed by Commander English were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Captain Robert Allen Joseph English (NSN: 0-57546), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Operations Officer for planning on the Staff of an amphibious force commander during the landings in French Morocco. Captain English, with great perseverance, energy and effectiveness contributed in an outstanding manner to the formulation of plans which enabled a large sea-borne assault force to be assembled, transported, successfully landed and maintained on the hostile shore of French Morocco. During the combat operations, through his professional skill and keen understanding, he assisted materially in the efficient execution of the assault. His zeal, resourcefulness and sound judgment contributed greatly to the success of the landings. The extraordinary ability and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain English reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.