The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thurlow B. Bearse (NSN: 0-141828), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the effectiveness of the support to French Forced to our own, operating further inland, dependant upon the extent to which they could be supplied in May 1943. The U.S.S. LCT(5) No. 26 with Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bearse in command, was loaded with ammunition and supplies, and without radio, escort, air cover, and with only slight anti-aircraft protection, proceeded into unknown waters. The agreed signal was not received at the appointed rendezvous, and it was learned that the French Forces were so heavily engaged in that sector that they could spare only two men to assist in landing the supplies. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bearse then directed the beaching of his craft, and, working side by side with his crew, completed the unloading operation in a short time, despite shelling by enemy guns. The receipt of these supplies insured the continued effective participation of the French Forces in the final drive, which culminated three days later in the fall of Bizerte.