The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John F. Refo, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 14 January 1958 to 20 July 1960 as Head of the Ship Operations and Test Branch, Special Projects Office. Responsible for the conduct of tests at flight test ranges in accordance with test requirements, objectives, plans and readiness criteria established for such tests, Captain Refo made a distinctive contribution toward equipping the United States and free world with the Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapons System as a vital extension of sea power.