The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Henry Clark Bridgers, Jr. (NSN: 0-75855), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer of Commander Aircraft Guadalcanal during the period 20 October 1943 to 1 February 1944, and as Operations Officer of Commander Aircraft, Munda from 1 February 1944 to 15 June 1944. Lieutenant Commander Bridgers, by untiring devotion to duty, supervision, leadership and planning contributed in a great measure to the final successful culmination of the Solomons Campaign. Through his efforts a successful system of night and day surface and air cooperative operations and combined anti-submarine warfare was made effectual and productive. During the period 20 October 1943 to 15 June 1944, his close supervision and coordination of the Long Range Strategic and Night Searches resulted in the obtaining of complete and vital information on enemy surface forces even though such searches were often conducted under extremely trying conditions involving lack of sufficient personnel and equipment. His examples of leadership and loyalty as exhibited by his accompanying flights of all types on some of the most hazardous missions contributed greatly to the general morale of the operating units, and resulted in increased cooperation. His ability, initiative and judgment in carrying on in the absence of operations orders from higher authority resulted in operating smoothness of all air reconnaissance in the Solomons area. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Bridgers is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)