The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Otto W. Spahr, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while Commanding the U.S.S. RHIND during the Sicilian Campaign in July 1943. Lieutenant Commander Spahr made hazardous sweeps along the coast, escorted Allied convoys and inflicted severe damage on attacking aircraft. He also sank an enemy torpedo boat during a period of concentrated offensive action.