The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Samuel M. Bailey (NSN: 0-58683), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Assistant Plans and Logistics Officer, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and logistics and as Chief of Staff to the Commander South Pacific Area and Force during the period from October 1944 to 2 September 1945. Captain Bailey displayed outstanding ability and marked good judgment in handling the many detailed problems connected with the planning for the construction and maintenance of advanced naval bases and staging of large numbers of troops and naval forces throughout the area. By his thorough knowledge and tireless devotion to duty, he rendered invaluable assistance to the Commander South Pacific Area and Force in the reduction and redeployment of our forces, the disestablishment of naval activities, and the disposal of large quantities of naval surplus property in the South Pacific. His initiative and professional skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.