The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas E. Acton (NSN: 0-202551), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Officer-in-Charge of a Damage Control Party of a United States Cruiser during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Nansei Shoto, on 5 June 1945. When the ship suffered serious damage in a severe typhoon he displayed outstanding leadership and ingenuity and, at the risk of his life, he supervised and directed damage control and shoring measures in the vicinity of the damaged area. In the height of the storm, with the seas pounding against the bulkheads he was trying to shore, and with full knowledge of the imminent risk to his life, he worked incessantly until shoring was completed. His actions contributed materially to localizing damage and bringing the ship safely to port. His leadership, determination, and heroic conduct were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.