The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Paul Abbott (NSN: 0-99201), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the Loading Control Group during the advanced landings in the Anzio-Nettuno area, Italy, in January 1944. Lieutenant Commander Abbott expertly organized and effectively directed joint loading control activities in assembly ports for the vast number of ships and craft engaged in the seaborne movement of the invasion forces to the assault area. The initial and subsequent loadings of troops, equipment and supplies was efficiently coordinated and expeditiously accomplished. His keen supervision and untiring energy in the carrying out of this vital assignment contributed materially to the success of the landings and the maintenance of the assaulting forces on the Anzio beachhead. The extraordinary ability, sound judgment and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Abbott reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Abbott is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)