The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Raymond J. Mauerman, 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.S. JOSEPH T. DICKMAN during the amphibious invasion of Italy in 1943. Displaying keen judgment and expert professional skill, he effectively directed the training, planning and performance of his ship under devastating hostile fire, enabling troops, vehicles and equipment to be disembarked expeditiously on the well fortified enemy beachhead. By his splendid ship handling and sound evasive tactics he fought his vessel ably and efficiently during repeated heavy bombing attacks and brought her through without serious casualties to his command.