The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Albert Benjamin, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As Naval AttachŽ to the Republic of Uruguay, Captain Benjamin was called upon to perform additional duties for the Commander FOURTH Fleet and the Commander South Atlantic Force. The efficient and competent manner in which these duties were invariably discharged contributed materially to the success of the missions with which those forces were charged. As Senior U.S. Naval Representative at the Joint Staff Conversations between the U.S. and Republic of Uruguay, his tact and diplomacy to a great extent was responsible for a satisfactory conclusion of those negotiations. The confidence imposed in him by all Uruguayan officials, his knowledge and appreciations of the problems confronting the Republic of Uruguay and his sound judgment in recommending solutions for those problems all are directly reflected in the cordial relations which now exist between Uruguay and the United States. His initiative, knowledge, and energy in accomplishing these tasks reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.