The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Aldo Fred Avidano, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on board the U.S.S. SEER at the time of the torpedoing of the U.S.S. SKILL by an enemy submarine off the Gulf of Salerno on 25 September 1943. Shortly after the U.S.S. SKILL was torpedoed and sunk, a boat from the U.S.S. SPEED went to the rescue of approximately 35 survivors, many of them seriously injured, who were drifting about on various improvised life rafts and debris. At this time Chief Avidano was transferred from the U.S.S. SEER to the U.S.S. SPEED to assist in the emergency care of the wounded as they were brought on board. With the utmost skill, perseverance, and untiring energy, he administered medical aid to the critically wounded men, and his effective treatment of major fractures, severe cuts and burns and his intelligent application of first aid in the treatment of shock contributed materially to the probable saving of many lives. The extraordinary ability, prompt and decisive action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Chief Avidano reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Chief Avidano is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)