The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Wayne Rowe Loud (NSN: 0-61487), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the minesweeping group of an amphibious task force prior to and during the assault phase of the operations against the strongly defended Japanese-held Peleliu and Anguar Islands, and Kossol Passage, from 12 September to 28 September 1944. During this period Commander Loud displayed unusual ability in supervising the sweeping and destruction of over four hundred mines in the Kossol Passage area and in the vicinity of the Peleliu and Anguar landing beaches. The efficient and thorough execution of this difficult and dangerous assignment, requiring great courage and determination, made possible the early, safe use by fleet units of Kossol Passage anchorages and the waters of Peleliu and Anguar, thereby contributing immeasurably to the success of this important operation. His performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Loud is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

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 with Combat “V” to Commander Wayne Rowe Loud (NSN: 0-61487), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Minesweeping Group against the enemy. He led his Minesweeping Group against the strongly mined enemy waters of Leyte Gulf during the period 17 October 1944 to 20 October 1944, in a conspicuously heroic manner. He commenced sweeping the entrance mines during typhoon conditions and succeeded in sweeping the major portions of the gulf prior to the arrival of the transports, and insured, thereby, that the transports might enter the gulf safely. By his courage, skill in combat, and determination he gave encouragement to his force in a manner that caused his action to be largely instrumental in the success of a most difficult operation. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Loud is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Wayne Rowe Loud (NSN: 0-61487), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Task Group Commander from 5 July until 31 July 1945. During this time, with tireless energy and initiative, he directed the completion of a major open sea sweep in the East China Sea, the completion of which allowed our major surface units to conduct offensive sweeps against the China coast. Through his masterly direction, an unwieldy and heterogeneous group of vessels in the long and relatively unprotected sweeping formation were successfully maneuvered, despite the nearness to enemy air bases and threat of enemy air action. His forcefulness, stamina, diligence, and outstanding leadership were primarily responsible for the complete success of the operation wherein an enormous area was swept in a minimum time despite hazards of unfavorable weather and enemy action. His actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Loud is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Wayne Rowe Loud (NSN: 0-61487), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Task Group Commander engaged in minesweeping operations in Japanese Empire waters from September 1945 through November 1945. He commanded a Task Group of the Mine Force, FIFTH Fleet, during the sweeping of the moored minefields in the Bungo Suido; the sweeping of Hiroshima Wan and approaches which were heavily mined with U.S. influence mines of a special and highly dangerous character; and the opening of ports of Kure and Ujina. He was primarily responsible for the success of providing safe entry to the United States Occupational Forces. His courage, leadership, and ability in these hazardous operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.