The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Frederic F. Agens, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Engineer Officer of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), from 25 May to 14 December 1943. Captain Agens with superb leadership and superior knowledge and executive ability, organized the Engineering Department during the pre-commissioning period of the ship. He conducted his duties as head of that department during the strike against the Japanese enemy stronghold at Rabaul on 11 November 1943, the siege and capture of the Gilbert Islands from 19 November 1943 to 8 December 1943, the strike against Nauru on 8 December 1943, in such a preeminent manner that during this period the ship was never out of operation due to mechanical failure. His high professional skill, sound judgment and tireless performance of duty were contributing factors to the success of these operations in this critical phase of the war in the Pacific. His outstanding service, his exemplary personal conduct in battle and performance of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Agens is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)