The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Dewitt K. Burnham, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Base Medical Officer, Manus, Admiralty Islands, during World War II. By his careful planning and extraordinary professional knowledge, and through untiring efforts in maintaining sanitary standards, he has reduced the incidence of sickness and disease to a remarkable low average, and provided necessary medical attention for all personnel at the base. He has instituted a highly efficient system for handling large numbers of patients and casualties from hospital ships. His exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, has contributed materially to the success of a major project. His conduct throughout has been in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.