The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander John H. Nicholson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as commanding officer of U.S.S. SARGO, (SS (N)-583), during the period 18 January to 26 February 1960. Under Lieutenant Commander Nicholson’s outstanding leadership, U.S.S. SARGO successfully completed the most extensive under-ice exploration of the Arctic Ocean yet attempted by a submarine, including the first entry into and exit from the Arctic Basin via the Bering Strait during the winter season. The severe weather and ice conditions encountered throughout the cruise were overcome by superb seamanship, technical competence, and command judgment. All scientific and operational objectives of the cruise were skillfully accomplished, resulting in the accumulation of knowledge and technical data of great value to the United States Government.