The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Donald F. Kent, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, United States Naval Support Force, Antarctica, during Operation DEEP FREEZE I and II from 7 February 1955 to 22 March 1957. During this period, Commander Kent was responsible for the planning and implementation of all phases of the logistics program, the unloading of all supplies and equipment, and the establishment of supply depots to support the construction needed in the operations of seven Antarctic bases.