The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander William R. Anderson (NSN: 0-165809), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS(N)-571), during the period 8 June 1958 to 5 August 1958. Commander Anderson, by farsighted planning, skilled seamanship and thorough study of the Arctic area, succeeded in cruising NAUTILUS across the top of the world from the Bering Sea to the Greenland Sea, passing submerged beneath the geographic North Pole. Under his intrepid leadership, NAUTILUS pioneered a submerged sea lean between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. This points the way for further exploration and possible use of this route by nuclear powered cargo submarines as a new commercial seaway between the major oceans of the world. Commander Anderson’s leadership, skillful application of professional knowledge, and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.