The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Gunner Lawrence E. Bauman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Gunner on the U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80) during her action in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. By tireless effort and intelligent thought and training he helped the Gunnery Officer to maintain his batteries in a state of efficiency whereby even in the face of apparent death the gunners coolly and calmly remained at their stations, firing and servicing their guns. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Gunner Bauman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)