The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Merlin O’Neill, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the amphibious invasion of the Island of Sicily in 1943, as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LEONARD WOOD. By careful preparation, outstanding professional skill and cool and energetic leadership under fire, he affected the landing of embarked troops and equipment in such manner as to contribute greatly to the success of the assault. He ably fought his ship during enemy bombing attacks, and upon completion of operations, retired from the combat area without any damage to the ship.