The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Archer Meredith Ruland Allen (NSN: 0-6397), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with operations against the enemy as Shipping Control Officer on the Staff of Commander Forward Area Control Pacific and Commander Marianas from 17 May 1944 to 13 November 1945. While serving in this highly responsible position he was primarily charged with the routing, unloading, and scheduling of vital merchant shipping which effectively supported the Western Carolines, Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa Campaigns, as well as contributing in large measure to the efficient supply of essential materials to all forces in the Marianas Area. His zeal, untiring energy, organizational and administrative ability and conscientious devotion to duty contributed in large measure to the success of the Central Pacific Campaign and the ultimate total defeat of the Japanese Empire. His conduct throughout was outstanding and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.