The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain William James Crowe, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from July 1967 to November 1970 as Head, East Asia and Pacific Branch, Politico-Military Policy Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. An acknowledged authority on Asian affairs, Captain Crowe was continually called upon to consult and advise on high level politico-military matters and often dealt directly with senior officials of the Department of Defense, representatives of foreign governments and key members of the U.S. Congress. His extraordinary ability and unique background enabled him to make significant contributions to the development of Navy politico-military policy. Captain Crowe was continuously involved in matters directly affecting national security. These included reversion of Okinawa, modification of the Navy base structure in the Western Pacific, force reduction problems and ongoing analyses of political development in key Asian countries. As a result of his mature judgment and demonstrated ability, Captain Crowe was frequently assigned tasks concerning difficult problems of a sensitive nature. He was directly active in formulating and implementing the repatriation plan for return of the crew of the U.S.S. PUEBLO, and participated in Navy-to-Navy negotiations on use of important Asian basing facilities. He also personally conducted the inquiry into the COLUMBIA EAGLE incident for the Secretary of Defense. Captain Crowe is an articulate advocate, an incisive analyst and an adroit crisis manager. By his highly professional performance, dedicated sense of responsibility and inspiring devotion to duty, he has reflected great credit upon himself and has upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.