The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Bernhard Henry Bieri (NSN: 0-7624), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Staff, United States Fleet, in charge for plans for the employment of the United States Fleet from February to August 1942 and from January to October 1943; as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, and his representative in the employment of the United States Atlantic Fleet in the invasion of North Africa from August 1942 to January 1943; as Assistant Chief of Staff, Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, in charge of plans for the employment of the United States Fleet form October 1943 to May 1944, as the United States Naval Representative with the Supreme Commander Allied Forces for the invasion of France from May 1944 to September 1944; and as Deputy Chief of Staff, to the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet from September 1944 to October 1945. An astute administrator and thorough in detail, Rear Admiral Bieri performed all his duties in an outstanding manner, which contributed significantly to the prosecution of the war. His unusual energy, mature judgment, marked professional attainments, perseverance, tact and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.