The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Dwight I. Brown (NSN: 0-72078), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Assistant Operations Officer of the Staff of a Flag Officer in command of the Allied Forces in action against the enemy during the Battle of Surigao Strait, Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, 25 October 1944. He rendered a valuable contribution towards the overwhelming victory of our forces against the Japanese on that occasion. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.