The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Jesse E. Sampson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during a period in 1963 while serving as Commanding Officer of U.S.S. THORNBACK (SS-418). Exercising marked professional skill, sound leadership and keen foresight, Lieutenant Commander Sampson planned for and successfully carried out a complex, difficult and important independent submarine operation, achieving results of great value to the government of the United States. His meticulous and diligent preparation, and his careful documentation and analysis of information, were important contributions to the success achieved.