The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Edmund Weidmann Burrough (NSN: 0-8591), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer the U.S.S. CLEVELAND (CL-55) during operations in the Solomon Islands. His ship operated with the Covering Force during the occupation of Russell Island, was a unit in Task Force SIXTY-EIGHT on the night of 28 January 1943, when this force was heavily attacked by enemy torpedo planes, during which the cruiser CHICAGO was lost and many enemy planes destroyed. She participated in the bombardment of enemy defenses and air field on Kolombangara Island on the night of 5 – 6 March 1943. Prior to the bombardment the Task Force of which CLEVELAND was a unit engaged and sank in Kula Gulf two enemy warships, which opposed the bombardment. During these operations the vessel under Captain Burrough’s command was continually threatened by enemy submarines and enemy attack by bombing and torpedo planes. By his courage, determination and good seamanship, and by the efficiency of his ship’s organization he has contributed to the successful operations against the enemy in the Solomons area. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Burrough is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)