The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander William S. Blair, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Beach Assault Group during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Commander Blair, displaying a high degree of skill and aggressive leadership, brought his assault units in convoy from mounting ports, through swept channels and rpescribed routes in safe passage to the assault area. By expert seamanship and sound advance planning, he expeditiously landed the assault troops, their equipment and supplies against enemy resistance ove rthe designated beach on the coast of Southern France. Subsequently his efficient control of unloading activities in conneciton with the vital disembarkation and with reorganization of units to support the follow-up mission contributed materially to the success of the invasion and to the proper maintenance of the rapidly advancing Allied Armies into enemy occupied territory. The exceptional skill, sound judgment, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Blair reflected great credit upon himself and the Naval Service.