The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Carleton Fanton Bryant, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the Center Support Group of the Western Naval Task Force during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Rear Admiral Bryant, displaying qualities of outstanding skill and aggressive leadership, carried out the mission of his task group with extreme effectiveness in supporting by shore bombardment the assault landings of elements of the U.S. SEVENTH Army over selected beaches along the Coast of Southern France. In well coordinated action with Allied bombardment units and aircraft of the Mediterranean Allied Air Force, he conducted accurate and destructive fire against beach defenses, coastal positions, and other enemy strong points, and thereby contributed materially to the success of the invasion and to the rapid advance of the assault forces into enemy occupied territory. The exceptional ability, cool and dependable action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Rear Admiral Bryant reflected great credit upon himself and the Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Bryant is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Carleton Fanton Bryant, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the commander of the Gunfire Support Group of the Assault Force “O” during the amphibious invasion of the coast of Normandy, France, commencing on 6 June 1944. Rear Admiral Bryant operated his forces during the assault period of the invasion of Normandy with skill and determination. The careful planning and effective execution of the fire support of his forces contributed immensely to the successful assault of the FIRST U.S. Army on the beaches in the Vierville-Colleville Area. On 25 June 1944, Rear Admiral Bryant, with battleships and destroyers under his command, took part in the naval gunfire against enemy strongpoints in the vicinity of Cherbourg in support of the advance of the FIRST U.S. Army on that port. This fire was skillfully delivered in the face of determined enemy opposition. The able leadership and determination in the face of opposition displayed by Rear Admiral Bryant reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Bryant is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)