The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Commander Harold Biesemeier (NSN: 0-16977), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CHARLES CARROLL (APA-28) during the amphibious assault on Italy in September 1943. Commander Biesemeier, with great skill and judgment, directed the training, planning and performance of his ship under fire, which enabled the embarked troops, vehicles and equipment to be landed promptly and expeditiously on the heavily defended assault beaches. During repeated enemy bombing attacks, he fought his ship ably and effectively and, having accomplished his mission, withdrew without serious casualty to his Command. The extraordinary ability, professional skill, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Biesemeier reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Harold Biesemeier (NSN: 0-16977), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the amphibious invasion of the Island of Sicily in July 1943, as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CHARLES CARROLL (APA-28) Commander Biesemeier, by careful preparation, outstanding professional skill, and cool and energetic leadership under fire, effected the landing of embarked troops and equipment in such a manner as to contributed greatly to the success of the assault. He ably fought his ship during enemy bombing attacks, and, upon completion of operations, returned from the combat area without any damage to his ship. The extraordinary ability and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Biesemeier reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.