The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain James E. Arnold, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in a position of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the United States Naval Amphibious Base, Falmouth, Cornwall, from 16 October 1943 to 27 March 1944. Captain Arnold displayed outstanding professional ability and skill in organizing and commanding this base. The mission of the base included the operation, training and provision of maintenance and logistical support to a large number of landing ships and craft attached. All these objectives were efficiently attained under the command of Captain Arnold. The performance of duty of Captain Arnold during this period resulted in a material contribution to the success of the assault on the continent of Europe on 6 June 1944 and was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.