The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Robert E. Cronin, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1956 to June 1961 as Chief of Industrial Relations. Rear Admiral Cronin has made a marked contribution toward strengthening relationships between Navy and civilian employee representatives, resulting in a better mutual understanding of problems and fewer labor disagreements. He was personally responsible for the expansion of training in Industrial Relations through the establishment of Industrial Relations Field Institutes. Under his effective guidance, the Navy’s merit Promotion Program has brought about a higher level of employee performance and the retention of capable personnel. His close personal knowledge of the intricate details of personnel administration has been a strong contributing factor in the creation of a streamlined and more effective Industrial Relations program.