The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Ralph Burns, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.C.G.C. McLANE (WSC-146) during action against a hostile submarine in the North Pacific waters, 9 July 1942. After a prolonged and determined search for a submarine reported to be in the area, Lieutenant Burns made sound contact with the undersea craft and, quickly maneuvering into attack position, repeatedly dropped depth charges set for detonation at varying depths. Although an air driven torpedo passed directly under the bow of the McLANE during the engagement, Lieutenant Burns relentlessly pursued his target until spreading oil slicks and continuous air bubbles gave evidence of the probable destruction of the enemy vessel.