The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Willard L. Durgin, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as engineer of a landing boat from a United States transport during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, 8 to 11 November 1942. Under extremely hazardous conditions he heroically remained at his post in a stranded boat for two-and-one-half days, keeping the craft bailed out and free from sand, despite grueling hardships and exposure to hostile bombing and strafing. Through his tireless efforts and dauntless courage. Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Durgin enabled our forces to salvage the boat for further service in transporting troops and supplies to the beaches at a time when boats were urgently needed for vital landing operations.