The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Robert C. Bassett (NSN: 0-238465), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Staff and Liaison Officer and Counsel, Industrial Relations Branch, Shore Establishments Division of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Head of the Labor Relations Division of SECP (OP&M), December 1942 to September 1945. During this period, Lieutenant Commander Bassett was one of the principal participants in the formation and functioning of the Ship Building Commission of the National War Labor Board. He displayed outstanding ability in matters of development and maintenance of administrative procedures relating to the ship-building industry. His work in the application of the stabilization agreements and in connection with the reimbursement policies of the procurement agencies reflected wide knowledge, great skill and energetic devotion to duty. As Counsel, Industrial Relations Branch, Shore Establishment Division of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Head of the Labor Relations Division of SECP (OP&M), Lieutenant Commander Bassett demonstrated imagination and competence, and his efforts did much to bring about the achievement of unprecedented production. His effective action to prevent or to limit loss of production of war materials contributed substantially to the war effort. His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.