The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Harry W. Coxwell, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 16 January to 15 February 1961 as Master Diver on board U.S.S. SUNBIRD (ARS-15). Following the collapse of the U.S. Air Force Texas Tower Number Four in the Atlantic Ocean south of Long Island, Chief Coxwell directly supervised all diving evolutions conducted in connection with the interior and exterior search of the twisted wreckage for casualties who perished in the disaster and for information regarding the cause of the collapse of the structure. Although confronted with almost constant sub-freezing, and periodic sub-zero temperatures, high winds, heavy seas and driving snows, he succeeded in planning and executing a total of 174 dives without a single accident. Through his outstanding leadership, fortitude, and resourcefulness, Chief Coxwell contributed in large measure to the success of extremely hazardous rescue and salvage operations.