The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John W. Avirett (NSN: 0-247598), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 15 February 1943 to 1 May 1946, as Assistant Counsel for the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, as Executive Officer for the Office of the General Counsel for the Department of the Navy, as Executive Secretary and Coordinator of the Secretary’s Committee of Research on Reorganization, and as Special Assistant and Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The legal services which he rendered from 1 March 1943 until 15 December 1944 in connection with the work of the Schedule Section of the Purchase Division of the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts and in the negotiations, preparation and administration of contracts for radio, radar, sonar and other electronic equipment in the Electronics Division of the Bureau of Ships, were performed in an outstanding manner well above and beyond the high standard normally to be expected, and with marked ability, legal acumen and devotion to duty. His services as Executive Officer for the Office of the General Counsel for the Department of the Navy during a difficult period were of great benefit to the Navy Department. During his later period of service as Special Assistant and Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy he rendered valuable service to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and to the Navy Department. By his professional ability and skill, his industry, sound judgment and tireless devotion to duty, Captain Avirett has performed services of considerable benefit to the Navy and the Government of the United States and thereby has upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and contributed greatly to the successful prosecution of the war.