The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Robert Van Rensselaere Bassett (NSN: 0-75398), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Engineer Officer and Officer-of-the-Deck of the U.S.S. POPE (DD-225), in the Battles of Makassar Strait, Badoeng Strait, and Java Sea during the months of January, February, and March 1942. During each of these three engagements, Lieutenant Commander Bassett courageously and skillfully conned the U.S.S. POPE in such a manner as to contributed markedly to the battle success gained by his ship and to the preservation of the U.S.S. POPE. On two occasions he was responsible for the avoiding of collisions that would undoubtedly have resulted in extreme disaster for his own ship and another United States Destroyer. By intelligent and inspiring leadership, he kept the Engineering Department of the U.S.S. POPE operating at high efficiency during the period covered by this recommendation, in spite of the fact that the POPE had not had a major overhaul for over two years. He was in battle cool, courageous, and alert. His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Bassett is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)