The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Paul A. Bissinger (NSN: 0-87558), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States on the staff of a Naval Task Force Commander during the amphibious invasions of Sicily and Italy in July and September 1943, and the advanced landings at Anzio, Italy, in January 1944. Lieutenant Bissinger ably assisted in the complex organization, administration and operation of the many landing ships and craft units which constituted a Naval Task Force during two major amphibious operations. Later as Flag Secretary, he exhibited great skill and untiring energy in carrying out planning functions and in the complicated dissemination of plans and instructions to all the various Allied units participating in the advanced landings at Anzio. During the assault operations, he efficiently performed operational duties which contributed materially to the successful execution of these operations. The initiative, sound judgment and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Bissinger reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.