The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant (ChC) Paul J. Redmond, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Chaplain with the Fourth Marine Raider Battalion, First Marine Raider Regiment, on New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 1 and 20 July 1943. During the heavy fighting against enemy Japanese forces at both Viru Harbor and Bairoko Harbor, he repeatedly ignored intense machine gun, rifle and mortar fire so that he might comfort the wounded and administer last rites to the dying in the front lines. When the fighting had subsided, he helped in the hazardous work of recovering the dead and preparing a proper place for their burial. Throughout both actions, Captain Redmond’s calm demeanor and his willingness to proceed to any point, however dangerous, where his presence was needed were a constant inspiration to the men.