The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Lance J. Kirstine, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of Landing Craft assigned to the Western Naval Task Force prior to the during the amphibious invasions of Southern France in August 1944. Commander Kirstine exhibited outstanding ability and leadership in organizing, training and maintaining the material readiness of U.S. LCTs allocated to the Task Force. He skillfully controlled the operations of these craft and directed their safe passage in convoy to the assault beaches where he successfully deployed them to the proper unloading points. In post assault operations, his efficient control of offshore unloading activities contributed materially to the effective support rendered to the rapidly advancing Allied Armies into enemy held territory.