The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Burrell Clinton Allen, Jr. (NSN: 0-63187), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. While in Command of a Task Group of Landing Craft Tank, LCT(5) he personally led his craft in the initial supply in the attacks on Japanese-occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943; on Finschhafen, New Guinea, on 22 September 1943, on Arawe, New Britain, on 15 December 1943; and on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 26 December 1943. He organized convoys engaged in the re-supply of Lae, Finschhafen and Arawe. At Arawe during the initial supply and later in the re-supply, heavy and determined enemy opposition was met. The task groups and convoys under his command had the sole responsibility for the supply and re-supply of Arawe. By his outstanding professional knowledge, efficiency and sound judgment he led and coordinated his task groups in successfully executing all assignments. He contributed materially to the success of these operations. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Allen is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)