The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain (SC) Harris Walton Beck, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Officer-in-Charge of the Passenger Transportation Division, Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, from 25 November 1942 to 15 October 1945. Skillfully handling the complicated and expansive problems of passenger transportation, Captain Beck promoted the best interests of the Navy through his relations with common carriers, foreign governments, and other military branches of the Government; organized and administered the transportation of foreign nations, military personnel under the Defense Aid Program; and handled the transportation of all directly recruited civilian personnel for shore establishments within and beyond the continental limits of the United States. By his initiative and untiring efforts, Captain Beck rendered invaluable service toward the effective prosecution of the war and his actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.