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 to Captain Ruthven E. Libby, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of a Destroyer Squadron in the Pacific Area from 2 January to 14 June 1944. Captain Libby created and organized destroyer bombardment tactics, close-in fire support and screening operations. He directed his command successfully in numerous vital and hazardous missions.

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 Ruthven E. Libby, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of the screen of naval attack forces engaged in operations for the capture of Saipan and Tinian, 15 June to 2 August 1944. Captain Libby exercised sound judgment and skill in drawing up plans for the protection of our forces. In directing these difficult operations he prevented enemy submarines from penetrating the screen or damaging any of our vessels.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commodore [then Commander] Ruthven E. Libby, United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Aide to Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet from 29 December 1941 to 22 March 1943.