The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Lieutenant Commander Louis Ray Barnett (NSN: 0-87352), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the South West Pacific Area, from 22 October 1944 to 10 July 1945. Serving as Materials Officer on the Staff of Commander Construction Troops, Island Command, Commander Barnett efficiently directed the procurement and distribution of all construction material and equipment required by Naval construction units assigned to Commander Construction Troops for the Okinawa Campaign. Landing with the initial assault forces, he maintained close coordination between numerous Army and Navy Units which actively participated in the Ryukyu operations and despite constant exposure to enemy aerial and artillery bombardment, provided for the most effective utilization of construction supplies. Through his outstanding administrative skill, unremitting devotion to duty, and ready comprehension of the many complex problems incident to military and naval construction, Lieutenant Commander Barnett made noteworthy contributions to the success of operations in Okinawa.