The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Guilliaem Aertsen, III (NSN: 0-95300), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Flag Lieutenant and Assistant Operations Officer to Commander Battleship Division SIX from October 1942 to April 1943, to Commander Battleships, Pacific Fleet, from April 1943 to December 1944 and Commander Battleship Squadron TWO from December 1944 to June 1945 in operations against the enemy throughout the Pacific Ocean Areas. By his capable coordination and thorough understanding of many factors involved, by his tireless initiative, and by his ability to assume the responsibility of many tedious tasks in connection with planning and execution of numerous bombardments of strongly held enemy islands, and other offensive operations, he rendered outstanding services to the battleships and task groups in which they served, thereby bringing considerable destruction upon enemy forces and enemy positions. His conduct and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Aertsen is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)