The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Mervin W. Arps (NSN: 0-17804), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while Assistant Director of Naval Communications during the period December 1943 to April 1945. During this time Captain Arps successfully introduced into the Naval Communications System new methods and procedures vitally affecting the successful outcome of the war. By application of great initiative and personal fortitude, he succeeded in planning and organizing the present Navy teletypewriter system capable of handling an unprecedented volume of traffic, a large portion vitally affecting operations in the forward areas. He introduced innovations and reforms which greatly speeded up communications. Through his personal efforts, officer and enlisted personnel with little or not previous communication background were thoroughly indoctrinated in Naval communications with the result that these officers and enlisted men and women were able to execute their duties efficiently. He initiated and established the Navy radio-photo service with such success that material from the forward areas was almost immediately available in facsimile to the public. His technical proficiency, sound judgment, vision and initiative made a definite contribution to the success achieved by the Navy. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.