The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain George Bamford Ashe (NSN: 0-7653), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Transport Division during operations in the Solomon Islands area during the period from 7 August 1942 to 15 July 1943. Captain Ashe participated in the initial occupation of Guadalcanal-Tulagi on 7 August 1942, and subsequently commanded task units re-entering the dangerous waters in the vicinity of those islands carrying reinforcements and supplies for the American garrison on Guadalcanal. Although frequently under enemy attacks by aircraft, submarines and shore batteries, by his superior skill, energy and determination, on each occasion he completed his mission without loss or damage to any ship under his command. In these operations he has demonstrated outstanding courage, skill, determination and devotion to duty. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Ashe is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)