The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Owen B. Murphy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Military Sea Transportation Service, Pacific Area, and as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander MSTS, Pacific Area, from 19 June 1961 to 14 November 1964. His professional skill, judgment and resourcefulness markedly improved the operational readiness of MSTS Pacific Area, and enhanced the prestige and objectives of MSTS and the U.S. Navy.